The Evolution of the NFL Season: A New Approach
As the NFL explores the possibility of expanding to an 18-game regular season, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has sparked a conversation about the importance of player well-being in the midst of potential changes.
During a recent press conference, Burrow proposed a unique idea for incorporating additional bye weeks into the season structure. He suggested, “Maybe you could do something like, the first bye is kind of how we have it now, and the second bye everybody has it at once, and you make it like the Pro Bowl Week, like an All-Star break for the NBA.”
Comparing the NFL to the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, Burrow highlighted the potential benefits of a mid-season break for players. He emphasized the physical toll of an extended season, stating, “Eighteen games is definitely a big ask. Adding that extra game, obviously it’d be great for revenue. But I feel like adding that bye week, if you’re going to have an 18-game schedule, is pretty critical for our bodies.”
While the NFL currently allows only one bye week per team per season, Burrow’s proposal opens up a new perspective on player rest and recovery. By incorporating strategic breaks into the schedule, teams could potentially mitigate the challenges of a longer season and prioritize player health.
