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 conference to blast the NFL and its owners, calling the 17-game schedule a money grab.
Rodgers took a trip down memory lane to the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement when the NFL decided to go to a 17-game, 18-week schedule, which he believes should not have happened and would’ve been better off as a 16-game, 18-week schedule (two bye weeks per team) which also included an international week for the entire 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 explained that this would be a better option, and a second bye week could also open the door to expanding the game internationally, as has been a league priority.
“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 explanation for why they arrived so late in France, while New Orleans departed for the country on Sunday and spent the whole week there.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy had echoed Rodgers’ thoughts.
“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 nine hour flight each way.
