Ryan Kelly, the center for the Indianapolis Colts, has recently made it clear that he has no interest in extending the NFL season to 18 games. This comes amidst ongoing discussions and debates within the NFL about potentially expanding the regular season from its current 16 games.
Kelly, who is also the team’s NFL Players Association representative, voiced his concerns about the potential change during a recent interview. He expressed his belief that an 18-game season would not only increase the risk of injuries for players but also dilute the quality of the game.
“We’re already playing 16 games and a potential of four preseason games,” Kelly said. “That’s 20 games, and that’s a lot of football. Adding two more games to that, I just don’t see how that’s going to benefit us as players.”
The proposal for an 18-game season has been a topic of discussion for several years now. Supporters argue that it would generate more revenue for the league and provide fans with more football to watch. However, many players, like Kelly, are concerned about the potential health risks and increased physical toll that would come with playing more games.
The NFLPA has consistently opposed the idea of an 18-game season. In 2019, former NFLPA president Eric Winston stated that he didn’t see any circumstance where players would agree to an 18-game schedule, citing similar concerns about player safety and health.
Kelly echoed these sentiments, stating, “We have a hard enough time getting through 16 games healthy. Adding two more games is just going to increase the risk of injuries. It’s a violent game, and the more you play, the more your body takes a beating.”
He also raised concerns about the quality of play, suggesting that extending the season could lead to more games where key players are sidelined due to injuries. This could potentially lead to less competitive games and a diminished product on the field.
“Fans want to see the best players out there,” Kelly said. “If you add more games, you’re going to have more injuries, and that means some of the best players might not be on the field. That’s not what fans want.”
Kelly’s stance on the issue aligns with many of his fellow players, who also prioritize their health and the quality of the game over potential revenue increases. As discussions about an 18-game season continue, it’s clear that player input and concerns will play a crucial role in any final decision made by the NFL.