Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has criticized NFL team owners over financial motivations and player safety priorities following the league’s first regular-season game in Paris, France. Speaking after the matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Rodgers argued that owners prioritize revenue generation over health concerns and suggested that a more ambitious international schedule was abandoned during previous collective bargaining negotiations.
Rodgers Suggests NFL Expand to 16 City International Week
The NFL is hosting a record nine regular-season games across seven countries this year. However, Rodgers believes the league’s global footprint should expand much further. According to the quarterback, a proposal discussed during previous talks between the NFL and the NFL Players Association could have established a full international week featuring games across 16 different cities. The format would have incorporated an extra bye week, leaving teams with a 16-game schedule spread over 18 weeks with two weeks of rest rather than one. Rodgers stated that the concept would have introduced American football to new audiences without increasing the physical burden on players. He identified several potential host countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, England, Spain, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and an additional South American nation.
Financial Priorities Versus Player Safety
Beyond global scheduling, Rodgers challenged the decision-making of NFL team owners, suggesting that financial incentives frequently override their stated commitments to athlete welfare. The veteran signal-caller noted that the addition of a 17th regular-season game brought substantial new revenue streams to the franchises. He questioned the genuine emphasis placed on player health when ownership groups evaluate structural changes to the league calendar.
Logistical Realities of Playing in Paris
The historic fixture in Paris took place during local protests and social unrest. Several league-sponsored community events were canceled ahead of the kickoff, and players along with their traveling families faced strict limitations on movement outside their hotel and venue. Rodgers acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding the trip but maintained that better-organized international travel remains vital for the sport’s global reach. He suggested that future international series should mandate deeper engagement for traveling squads, including community outreach programs, public events, and structured opportunities for players and their families to experience local culture.
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