Aaron Rodgers Criticizes NFL International Game Travel

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Aaron Rodgers Questions International NFL Games as Players Push for More Rest

Aaron Rodgers has criticized the number of international games the NFL requires players to play. While his complaints drew some jokes, the discussion also acknowledged how difficult it can be for athletes to play a physical sport after spending 10, 12 or 15 hours on a plane.

International games remain important, but one proposed solution was to hold preseason games in international cities. Regular-season games could be limited to closer destinations, including Mexico City, Canadian cities and possibly London, rather than locations several time zones away.

The conversation also turned to the NFL’s 17-game schedule. Players are already complaining about the additional game and are countering with a 16-game schedule and two bye weeks, giving them two periods of rest during the season.

While one side argued that players do not need the additional break because the game is becoming safer, the other emphasized the damage football does to players’ bodies. The NFL’s push for international games was framed as an answer to football fans who criticize the league for not being global enough.