Aaron Rodgers has ignited a new controversy by alleging that NFL owners deliberately scrapped a radical international expansion plan to cut costs. Speaking to reporters in Paris ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the former MVP revealed that league leadership rejected a proposal to host games in 16 different locations during a single “International Week.” This disclosure challenges the narrative that international growth was solely driven by logistical or competitive concerns, suggesting instead that financial conservatism played a decisive role in the league’s strategic decisions.
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According to Rodgers, the original concept emerged during earlier Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. The plan would have restructured the regular season to include 16 games and two bye weeks, with one of those byes designated as a global showcase featuring simultaneous matches across 16 cities. Rodgers stated, “We didn’t really have a lot till the second CBA, and there was talk of doing an International Week where you had games in 16 different places and just added an extra bye week.” His comments imply that the owners prioritized maintaining the status quo over the significant capital expenditure required to establish such a massive international infrastructure.
Rodgers’ remarks add fuel to his reputation as one of the most outspoken and polarizing figures in modern NFL history. While the league has successfully expanded its international footprint in recent years, the revelation that a far more ambitious slate was considered—and subsequently abandoned—raises questions about the true motivations behind current scheduling decisions. As the NFL continues to invest in global markets, this insider account may prompt further scrutiny from fans and analysts eager to understand the financial calculus behind the league’s international strategy.
Source: Yahoo Sports
