News
September 05, 2025
NFLPA interim boss David White tells AP an 18-game regular season is 'not inevitable'
The interim executive director of the NFL Players Association says increasing the regular season from 17 games to 18 is “not inevitable.”
**NFLPA Interim Boss David White Throws Doubt on 18-Game Regular Season**
The prospect of an extended NFL regular season, a topic that has been swirling around league circles for years, may not be the foregone conclusion many have believed. David White, the interim executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), recently stated that an 18-game regular season is "not inevitable," offering a glimmer of hope to players concerned about the increased physical toll.
Speaking to the Associated Press, White's comments represent a significant stance from the players' union, which has historically resisted efforts to lengthen the already grueling regular season. The league's push for an 18-game schedule has often been met with fierce opposition from the NFLPA, primarily due to concerns about player safety and the potential for increased injuries.
While the NFL has argued that an 18-game season could be implemented with adjustments to the overall schedule, such as reducing the number of preseason games or adding an additional bye week, the players remain wary. Their primary concern revolves around the cumulative impact of playing an extra game on their bodies. The physical demands of professional football are immense, and an additional game could significantly increase the risk of both short-term and long-term injuries.
White's statement suggests that the NFLPA is prepared to stand its ground in future negotiations with the league. He is signaling that the union will not simply concede to the league's desires without a thorough and rigorous examination of the potential consequences for its members. The NFLPA will likely demand significant concessions from the league in exchange for any agreement to expand the regular season, focusing on enhanced player safety measures, improved healthcare benefits, and increased roster sizes to mitigate the impact of injuries.
The negotiation surrounding the length of the NFL season is a complex issue with significant financial implications for both the league and the players. While the NFL could potentially generate substantial revenue from an extra week of games, the NFLPA is determined to ensure that the health and well-being of its members are not sacrificed for the sake of profits. White's comments make it clear that the future of the NFL season is far from decided, and the NFLPA is ready to fight for its players.
The prospect of an extended NFL regular season, a topic that has been swirling around league circles for years, may not be the foregone conclusion many have believed. David White, the interim executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), recently stated that an 18-game regular season is "not inevitable," offering a glimmer of hope to players concerned about the increased physical toll.
Speaking to the Associated Press, White's comments represent a significant stance from the players' union, which has historically resisted efforts to lengthen the already grueling regular season. The league's push for an 18-game schedule has often been met with fierce opposition from the NFLPA, primarily due to concerns about player safety and the potential for increased injuries.
While the NFL has argued that an 18-game season could be implemented with adjustments to the overall schedule, such as reducing the number of preseason games or adding an additional bye week, the players remain wary. Their primary concern revolves around the cumulative impact of playing an extra game on their bodies. The physical demands of professional football are immense, and an additional game could significantly increase the risk of both short-term and long-term injuries.
White's statement suggests that the NFLPA is prepared to stand its ground in future negotiations with the league. He is signaling that the union will not simply concede to the league's desires without a thorough and rigorous examination of the potential consequences for its members. The NFLPA will likely demand significant concessions from the league in exchange for any agreement to expand the regular season, focusing on enhanced player safety measures, improved healthcare benefits, and increased roster sizes to mitigate the impact of injuries.
The negotiation surrounding the length of the NFL season is a complex issue with significant financial implications for both the league and the players. While the NFL could potentially generate substantial revenue from an extra week of games, the NFLPA is determined to ensure that the health and well-being of its members are not sacrificed for the sake of profits. White's comments make it clear that the future of the NFL season is far from decided, and the NFLPA is ready to fight for its players.
Category:
Politics