Texans legend speaks out against one of the dumbest ideas the NFL has ever had
The NFL owners' annual meeting is wrapping up this week in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual conference is when owners vote on rule changes for the upcoming season, as well as bylaws and league policy. One of the proposals during the 2023 meeting has ruffled some feathers, with many declaring that this change would be terrible […]
The NFL owners' annual meeting is wrapping up this week in Phoenix, Arizona.
The annual conference is when owners vote on rule changes for the upcoming season, as well as bylaws and league policy.
One of the proposals during the 2023 meeting has ruffled some feathers, with many declaring that this change would be terrible for players and fans if implemented. Another proposal has already been passed, much to the chagrin of many, including former Texans' great JJ Watt.
The owners voted to modify the existing Thursday Night Football rules to allow teams to play two Thursday games on short weeks. Essentially, this means some teams could play on TNF twice, while others don't at all.
Additionally, if a team plays on Thanksgiving, and then has another TNF game the next week, this would only count as one short-week game. This meaning in that scenario, a team could be forced to play on TNF three times in one season.
The rule that has not passed yet has caused even more outcry. The owners tabled discussion on flexing late-season Sunday night games to Thursday until May.
In this scenario, the league could move a Sunday game to a TNF slot with just 15 days' notice. Watt chimed in on Twitter to voice his displeasure with the proposal.
Watt brings up two very solid points.
For one, player safety has been a hot-button issue lately, and rightfully so. But, as Watt points out, it seems hypocritical to preach player safety and then force players to play on less rest.
Additionally, some fans have to plan months in advance for the chance to experience an NFL game in person. If a Sunday game is flexed two weeks before kickoff to a Thursday night, this could be very inconvenient for the average fan.
In the case of fans who travel, often times plane tickets are bought months in advance. To have to change an entire itinerary on a whim is hard and may sometimes be impossible.
While Watt is retired from playing in the NFL, it's clear he still cares about the league. Watt is an influential voice still and is a well-respected figure. As more and more players and former players speak out, the owners may reconsider this sweeping change.
