The idea of expanding the NFL regular season to 18 games has been a frequent topic of discussion for the league’s commissioner over the past year.
This proposal comes with a shift from three preseason games down to two, effectively lengthening the overall period of intense physical competition for players.
However, not everyone is on board with this change, notably Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott.
Expressing his opposition, Elliott recently voiced significant concerns regarding the financial implications and physical toll on players that an extended season would entail. His comments, as reported by Brooke Pryor of ESPN, emphasize a disconnect between the players’ compensation and the demands placed upon them. “They’re not paying us enough money already,” Elliott remarked, pointing out the financial restraint he perceives from the league. “They’re stingy with their money, so they want to make us play 18 games. As a player union, we should get way more money than what we’re getting. And not just the top guys.”
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Elliott’s argument extends beyond salaries, touching on the very nature of the sport and the sacrifices players make. “And the thing is, they’re not out here playing football. They’re not here running around putting their bodies on the line. They don’t care. All they care about is making money, but if you’re going to make money on the top end, the bottom end has to make money too,” he continued.
This statement highlights a perceived lack of consideration for player welfare, which he believes should be a priority if the league is to extend the season further.
This issue comes in the wake of the NFL’s recent decision to increase the number of regular season games from 16 to 17 in 2021.
That change marked a significant shift in the league’s scheduling, raising concerns about player health and safety due to the additional wear and tear of another game.
Elliott’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among players who feel that the increases in game demands should also come with proportional increases in compensation and support, ensuring that all players benefit from the lucrative financial gains of the league, not just those at the top.
