Aaron Rodgers never clams up about uncomfortable conversations.
Fresh off a 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris, Aaron Rodgers used his postgame press convention to blast the NFL and its house owners, calling the 17-game schedule a money grab.
Rodgers took a journey down reminiscence lane to the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement when the NFL determined to go to a 17-game, 18-week schedule, which he believes should not have occurred and would’ve been higher off as a 16-game, 18-week schedule (two bye weeks per group) which also included an worldwide week for the complete league.
“I think it would have been phenomenal for the game,” Rodgers said at the podium while in Paris. “Now the owners wanted to push for 17 games for the extra revenue and because they care so much about player safety.”
Rodgers defined that this would be a higher option, and a second bye week could also open the door to increasing the recreation internationally, as has been a league precedence.
“It would be awesome to see them have international week,” Rodgers continued. “I think it would be great for the game and expansion of the game. I wish there was a mandate though from the league — and they would have to open up their pocket books too which, I don’t know, maybe they are a little tight on money — I think they should mandate every team coming Sunday or Monday. To really enjoy the culture and the place you are going. You can do events in those cities and outreach stuff and community stuff. But they won’t because they are tight [on money].”
The Steelers did not arrive in Paris until Friday morning.
Owner Art Rooney II did not offer an rationalization for why they arrived so late in France, while New Orleans departed for the nation on Sunday and spent the complete week there.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy had echoed Rodgers’ ideas.
“I’d like to be in France for a week,” McCarthy said on Friday. “I’ve never been here before, but I think you do what you feel is best to win the game.”
The Steelers left Paris on Sunday after the win and will face the Browns at home in Pittsburgh after being in France for just two and a half days, not including a 9 hour flight each manner.
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