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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responds to questions during a news conference after the football league's owners spring meetings Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterates desire for 18-game season

AP

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterates desire for 18-game season

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Commissioner Roger Goodell doubled down on his desire to eventually shift to an 18-game regular season schedule and further reduce the number of preseason games.

The NFL moved to a 17-game schedule with just three preseason games in 2021, but Goodell said Wednesday he would eventually like to change that — swapping a preseason game for an extra regular season game.

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“We think that’s a good trade,” Goodell said during a press conference at the league’s spring owners meeting. “Less preseason games and more regular season games, most everybody would think that’s beneficial.”

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Goodell initially talked about further expanding the regular season and shortening the preseason on the “Pat McAfee Show” during the NFL draft in Detroit.

However, any change to the schedule would have to be collectively bargained with the players association. The union grudgingly agreed to accept a 17-game schedule three years ago, but might put up more resistance this time.

“It’s something we think about in the long-range context,” Goodell said. “It’s moving to quality and making sure we do everything possible to bring our fans what they want. They want, obviously, more football. I’m not sure they want more preseason.”

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Gerry Dulac: gdulac@post-gazette.com and @gerrydulac on X

First Published: May 22, 2024, 6:31 p.m.

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