During the first round of collective bargaining agreement talks since February, the NFL and the NFL Players Association discussed a proposal from the league today to possibly expand the regular season to 18 games.
Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady have some reservations about the proposal with those statements released by the NFLPA this afternoon.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love the game of football," Lewis said. "If fans want to show their love, they should let everyone know that we are not machines. I’ve been blessed to play this game for so long, but it’s time to start thinking about what legacy and impact changes like this will leave for the players of tomorrow and us after we retire.
"I know our fans may not like preseason games and I don’t like all of them, but swapping two preseason games for two end-of-season games, when players already play hurt—comes at a huge cost for the player and the team. I know our Union is on top of it and players need to stay in touch with the Union and our Executive Director to stay informed.”
Added Brady: “I’ve taken part in several postseason runs where we have played 20 games. The long-term impact this game has on our bodies is well documented. Look no further than the players that came before we did. Each player today has to play three years in order to earn five years of post-career health care. Our Union has done a great job of raising the awareness on these issues and will make the right decision for us players, the game and the fans.”
Meanwhile, Green Bay Packers team president Mark Murphy said: "We have the same concerns as the players regarding safety and will address those issues with the players."
Bottom line: Nothing’s happening with this one until 2012 at the soonest, and it’s one of several key bargaining chips on the table between the league and the union.
