Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers criticized NFL owners’ approach to player safety and international travel after Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. (Image vai Getty)
Why did Aaron Rodgers take a shot at NFL owners over player safety and money?
Aaron Rodgers had plenty to celebrate after the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Paris on Sunday, Oct. 25. Instead, the 42-year-old quarterback used his postgame press conference to question NFL owners’ priorities, particularly when it comes to player safety and revenue. He then took aim at owners for expanding the regular season to 17 games, questioning how seriously they consider player welfare when money enters the discussion. Rodgers’ criticism came after Pittsburgh improved to 5-2 with its third consecutive victory. The game marked the NFL’s first regular-season appearance in France, part of a record nine international games scheduled across seven countries in 2026. Under that proposal, teams would have played a 16-game regular season with two bye weeks. The NFL introduced its 17-game regular season in 2021. Rodgers’ alternative would have kept the previous 16-game format while providing additional rest during the season. Rodgers completed 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown in the victory.
Because they care so much about player safety, but it would’ve been nice, now the owners wanted to push for 17 games for the extra revenue and. Because of the uncertainty, the NFL canceled several events, while Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy said the team stayed near its hotel Saturday. Rodgers’ proposal remains an idea rather than an announced NFL scheduling change.
“There was talk about doing a week — an international week — where you had games in 16 different places and you just added an extra bye week,” Rodgers said, as reported by ESPN. “I wish there was a mandate, though, from the league,” Rodgers said. Rodgers backed a proposal to dedicate an entire week to international games, with an additional bye week for players. Speaking to reporters after the game, Rodgers recalled a proposal discussed during previous collective bargaining negotiations between the league and the NFL Players Association. One week would have been dedicated to international games, allowing the league to expand overseas without adding another regular-season matchup. Rodgers believed that approach would have benefited both the league and its players. “I think it would’ve been phenomenal for the game. That last remark was pointed. Rodgers linked the owners’ decision to add another regular-season game with additional revenue, while sarcastically questioning their commitment to player safety. The quarterback also supported expanding the league’s international footprint. He mentioned Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, England, Spain and Germany as potential destinations, alongside another South American country and Dubai. His comments nevertheless raise a specific question about expansion: Could the league reach more international markets while giving players additional recovery time? Rodgers wasn’t finished discussing money. “They would have to open up their pocketbooks, too, which — you know, maybe they’re a little tight on money and stuff. His suggestion was straightforward. Pittsburgh’s own travel schedule illustrated his concern. Rodgers had already expressed frustration with the travel arrangements before Sunday’s game. The Paris trip also came amid protests across France over living costs and inequality. Despite those disruptions, Sunday’s game proceeded peacefully at Stade de France. His touchdown pass to Darnell Washington was the 540th of his career, moving him ahead of Peyton Manning into third place on the NFL’s all-time list. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines The Steelers left Paris with another win, but Rodgers’ comments shifted attention toward the league’s long-term plans. He supports international expansion. His argument is that owners should also commit resources and scheduling flexibility to make those trips better for players. Whether the NFL considers his international-week proposal remains to be seen. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
He also criticized how teams arrange their international trips, arguing that players should arrive earlier and spend more time in host cities. Rodgers believed earlier arrivals would also create opportunities for players to experience local culture and interact with international fans. The Saints had arrived earlier in the week.
The NFL should require teams playing overseas to arrive on Sunday or Monday, giving players time to adjust and participate in community events. The Steelers arrived in Paris on Friday morning, roughly two days before kickoff. Speaking to NFL.com on Friday, he said he would have preferred arriving on Monday.