The NFL’s potential shift to an 18-game season has hit a major roadblock – and it comes from the league’s biggest star. Patrick Mahomes isn’t having it, and the NFL would be foolish to ignore him.
Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback and the undisputed face of the NFL, has come out strongly against adding another regular season game. During a CNBC interview, the three-time Super Bowl champ didn’t mince words about the proposal that’s gaining steam among owners.
“I think that you’d have to find a way to have more bye weeks, more time spread out. You’ve seen the amount of injuries that have kind of piled up there at the end of seasons, and you want to have the best players playing in the biggest games”
His stance is clear – he’ll only consider an 18-game schedule if players get an additional bye week. And he’s not alone in this thinking.
Why Mahomes’ Opinion Matters More Than Most
When a player of Mahomes’ caliber speaks, the entire league should listen. With two MVP trophies and three Lombardi Trophies to his name, his voice carries tremendous weight. If Mahomes rallies other veteran players around this cause – and many already share his concerns – the NFL will face serious pressure to compromise.
The timing couldn’t be more significant.
Commissioner Roger Goodell and several influential owners have been pushing the 18-game narrative hard, pointing to potential revenue boosts and increased fan engagement. But Mahomes has introduced what might be the most compelling counterargument: player safety.
Adding a second bye week would extend the season calendar but could significantly reduce injury risks late in the season when bodies are already breaking down. It’s a common-sense solution that addresses both the business interests and player welfare concerns.
Complicating matters further is the recent collusion accusation against both the NFL and NFLPA regarding guaranteed contracts. The league and players’ union reportedly struck a confidentiality agreement to hide decisions from players – creating a trust deficit that could make any 18-game negotiations even more contentious.
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. has previously stated he opposes the 18-game season, aligning with the position of the league’s top talent.
An extra game wouldn’t just impact Sundays – it would reshape the entire NFL calendar from OTAs through the playoffs. For Goodell and the owners to push this through without addressing Mahomes’ concerns would be a massive strategic blunder.
The message is clear: if the NFL wants its 18-game cash cow, it’s going to cost them an extra bye week.