Tom Brady and Ray Lewis oppose 18-game season

[u_fig_eater]

Via Yahoo (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdo ... nfl,248949)

Ray Lewis: "Don't get me wrong, I love the game of football. If fans want to show their love, they should let everyone know that we are not machines. I've been blessed to play this game for so long, but it's time to start thinking about what legacy and impact changes like this will leave for the players of tomorrow, and us after we retire. I know our fans may not like preseason games, and I don't like all of them, but swapping two preseason games for two end-of-season games — when players already play hurt — comes at a huge cost for the player and the team. I know our union is on top of it, and players need to stay in touch with the union and our Executive Director to stay informed."

Tom Brady: "I've taken part in several postseason runs where we have played 20 games. The long-term impact this game has on our bodies is well documented. Look no further than the players that came before we did. Each player today has to play three years in order to earn five years of post-career health care. Our Union has done a great job of raising the awareness on these issues and will make the right decision for us players, the game and the fans."

Pretty much sums up what I think: a longer season will result in more injuries, shorter careers, and lower quality games.

[moochman]

The more I think of it, the less I like the idea of an 18 game season. Try finding a way to reduce injuries and put up a high quality 16 game season before thinking of expanding the number of games. Better they think of ways to stretch the season to X weeks without increasing the number of games played. An additional bye week could open up the schedule for expansion and give teams much needed last quarter of season rest breaks. Just thinking out loud.

[Nfl Fan]

Tom and Ray need to toughen up a little.

[Cowboys 4 life]

Tom and Ray need to toughen up a little.

Or just get into a fantasy football league. After a year they will vote yes.

[Kareighuis]

An additional bye week could open up the schedule for expansion and give teams much needed last quarter of season rest breaks. Just thinking out loud.

I've thought the same thing. It addresses concerns about overtaxing players and protects teams' investments.

Other ideas bandied about- increasing roster size; being able to place players on IR and then reactivating them a few weeks later, say 6 weeks; altering the size of practice squads; making it easier for players to move from the active roster to practice squad and back; allowing more players to be active game-day. In addition to expansion and overseas games, all these issues are being discussed as they work on a new CBA.

[dream_017]

I don't really care, as long as I don't have to pay full price for 2 pre-season games.

[Nfl Fan]

I don't really care, as long as I don't have to pay full price for 2 pre-season games.

They make you pay for pre-season Lion games?

[Metroid]

I don't really care, as long as I don't have to pay full price for 2 pre-season games.

They make you pay for pre-season Lion games?

They make you pay for Lyons games?

[moochman]

I don't really care, as long as I don't have to pay full price for 2 pre-season games.

They make you pay for pre-season Lion games?

They make you pay for Lyons games?

Ohhh ho ho ho ho. Ahh ha ha ha ha. thats a goot one. We'll see who gets the last laugh. Someday it will be the poor ole Lions fans. Someday. You'll see.


We all should live so long.

[Free Bagel]

Well, that does it. If Tom Brady says no the league will be letting up on it any day now.