Roger Goodell says he believes owners will reach a consensus on the tush push
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell anticipates a consensus among team owners regarding potential rule changes for the 'tush push' play, with a decision expected in May. This play, particularly used by the Philadelphia Eagles, has sparked debate over its impact on player safety and its alignment with traditional football. In addition, Goodell discussed a proposed playoff seeding change by the Detroit Lions, addressing fairness in home game allocation for division winners with losing records. Goodell is also committed to expanding the NFL season to 18 regular games, citing improved safety measures and financial benefits, although this requires NFLPA approval. Lastly, the NFL plans to increase international games, with upcoming matches in Ireland and Spain, and aims to establish regular games on Christmas and Thanksgiving in the United States.
Roger Goodell believes team owners will reach a consensus on the 'tush push' play, which has been controversial due to its perceived deviation from traditional football and concerns about player safety, even though no increased injury risk has been proven.
The 'tush push' play has notably helped the Philadelphia Eagles achieve significant success, sparking a proposal from the Green Bay Packers to eliminate it, which was tabled for further discussion and voting in May.
Goodell addressed a potential rule change for playoff seeding proposed by the Detroit Lions, which suggests seeding by record rather than guaranteeing division winners a top-four seed and a home game, particularly when they have a losing record.
The NFL aims to expand to an 18-game regular season, reducing preseason games to two, which Goodell argues could be feasible due to improvements in player safety, though this requires collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA.
International expansion of the NFL is underway with games planned in Ireland and Spain, and the long-term goal is to host 16 international games annually, including future games in Asia and Australia.
The league plans to establish a tradition of at least three Christmas games annually, following the success of last year's games on Netflix, and will slightly adjust the Thanksgiving schedule with the Detroit Lions' game starting later.
Goodell's statements reflect an ongoing effort to balance the integrity of the game with safety, financial growth, and global reach, requiring careful consideration and agreement from various stakeholders within the NFL.