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Why NFL’s Proposed 18-Game Schedule Doesn’t Make Sense | Deadspin.com   Before the NFL turned its attention to the upcoming draft, the offseason chatter was heavy on whether or not the league should expand its schedule from 17 to 18 regular season games. That subject was a popular topic at the annual league meeting in March.There’s no doubt an 18-game regular season schedule is what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants. That would increase revenue – remember, it’s always about money – and allow the league to move the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend. It would likely mean the NFL would add international games (one for each team) and perhaps another streaming service as well.It would also mean reducing the preseason from three games to two, and (hopefully) adding a second bye week.“I like it for the long-term growth and development of the league – to keep our league healthy and grow revenue,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters at the league meeting. “I think preseason games have not been what (they) used to be.“It would allow us to also grow the game internationally,” Kraft continued. “Every team in the league would play a game overseas. I think it would be a lot more exciting to the fans to have an extra game rather than the way our preseason games stack up.”Why NFL’s 18th game is a bad ideaTypically, more football is a good thing. In terms of adding an 18th regular season game, however, more would be less.Of the four major sports the NFL has the most meaningful regular season. Why? Because it plays the fewest regular season games. Each NFL contest carries more weight than a game in the NBA, NHL or MLB.The NFL went from 16 to 17 regular season games in 2021. Lengthening the season in any way would be adding to an already saturated product.Don’t fall for the talk that eliminating a preseason game and adding a game to the regular season is an even trade, since key players typically see little playing time during the preseason. That’s like comparing apples to dump trucks.Another strong argument against going to an 18-game schedule is player health. NFL bodies are already being pushed to the limit. The fear here is that adding to the regular season would be the tipping point that leads NFL players to start taking games off, like you see in today’s NBA.NFL load management? No thanks.“From playing in the league, and I played 16 [games], it was a long season,” Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “So to play 17 is long, 18 is just adding more games. It’s definitely harder on the players. You think about the guys, and if you see what guys go through on a day-to-day basis, week-to-week basis, just to get ready for football games, adding another game is definitely going to be hard on the players.“It’s not my decision to make, but just my perspective and what these guys have to go through and what they put their bodies through, it’ll be really tough to ask the guys to go do another one.”Like having an extra dessert, an 18-game regular season schedule would be too much of a good thing.   #NFLs #Proposed #18Game #Schedule #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com

Why NFL’s Proposed 18-Game Schedule Doesn’t Make Sense | Deadspin.com

Before the NFL turned its attention to the upcoming draft, the offseason chatter was heavy on whether or not the league should expand its schedule from 17 to 18 regular season games. That subject was a popular topic at the annual league meeting in March.

There’s no doubt an 18-game regular season schedule is what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants. That would increase revenue – remember, it’s always about money – and allow the league to move the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend. It would likely mean the NFL would add international games (one for each team) and perhaps another streaming service as well.

It would also mean reducing the preseason from three games to two, and (hopefully) adding a second bye week.

“I like it for the long-term growth and development of the league – to keep our league healthy and grow revenue,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters at the league meeting. “I think preseason games have not been what (they) used to be.

“It would allow us to also grow the game internationally,” Kraft continued. “Every team in the league would play a game overseas. I think it would be a lot more exciting to the fans to have an extra game rather than the way our preseason games stack up.”

Why NFL’s 18th game is a bad idea

Typically, more football is a good thing. In terms of adding an 18th regular season game, however, more would be less.

Of the four major sports the NFL has the most meaningful regular season. Why? Because it plays the fewest regular season games. Each NFL contest carries more weight than a game in the NBA, NHL or MLB.

The NFL went from 16 to 17 regular season games in 2021. Lengthening the season in any way would be adding to an already saturated product.

Don’t fall for the talk that eliminating a preseason game and adding a game to the regular season is an even trade, since key players typically see little playing time during the preseason. That’s like comparing apples to dump trucks.

Another strong argument against going to an 18-game schedule is player health. NFL bodies are already being pushed to the limit. The fear here is that adding to the regular season would be the tipping point that leads NFL players to start taking games off, like you see in today’s NBA.

NFL load management? No thanks.

“From playing in the league, and I played 16 [games], it was a long season,” Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “So to play 17 is long, 18 is just adding more games. It’s definitely harder on the players. You think about the guys, and if you see what guys go through on a day-to-day basis, week-to-week basis, just to get ready for football games, adding another game is definitely going to be hard on the players.

“It’s not my decision to make, but just my perspective and what these guys have to go through and what they put their bodies through, it’ll be really tough to ask the guys to go do another one.”

Like having an extra dessert, an 18-game regular season schedule would be too much of a good thing.

#NFLs #Proposed #18Game #Schedule #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com

Before the NFL turned its attention to the upcoming draft, the offseason chatter was heavy on whether or not the league should expand its schedule from 17 to 18 regular season games. That subject was a popular topic at the annual league meeting in March.

There’s no doubt an 18-game regular season schedule is what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants. That would increase revenue – remember, it’s always about money – and allow the league to move the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend. It would likely mean the NFL would add international games (one for each team) and perhaps another streaming service as well.

It would also mean reducing the preseason from three games to two, and (hopefully) adding a second bye week.

“I like it for the long-term growth and development of the league – to keep our league healthy and grow revenue,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters at the league meeting. “I think preseason games have not been what (they) used to be.

“It would allow us to also grow the game internationally,” Kraft continued. “Every team in the league would play a game overseas. I think it would be a lot more exciting to the fans to have an extra game rather than the way our preseason games stack up.”

Why NFL’s 18th game is a bad idea

Typically, more football is a good thing. In terms of adding an 18th regular season game, however, more would be less.

Of the four major sports the NFL has the most meaningful regular season. Why? Because it plays the fewest regular season games. Each NFL contest carries more weight than a game in the NBA, NHL or MLB.

The NFL went from 16 to 17 regular season games in 2021. Lengthening the season in any way would be adding to an already saturated product.

Don’t fall for the talk that eliminating a preseason game and adding a game to the regular season is an even trade, since key players typically see little playing time during the preseason. That’s like comparing apples to dump trucks.

Another strong argument against going to an 18-game schedule is player health. NFL bodies are already being pushed to the limit. The fear here is that adding to the regular season would be the tipping point that leads NFL players to start taking games off, like you see in today’s NBA.

NFL load management? No thanks.

“From playing in the league, and I played 16 [games], it was a long season,” Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “So to play 17 is long, 18 is just adding more games. It’s definitely harder on the players. You think about the guys, and if you see what guys go through on a day-to-day basis, week-to-week basis, just to get ready for football games, adding another game is definitely going to be hard on the players.

“It’s not my decision to make, but just my perspective and what these guys have to go through and what they put their bodies through, it’ll be really tough to ask the guys to go do another one.”

Like having an extra dessert, an 18-game regular season schedule would be too much of a good thing.

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#NFLs #Proposed #18Game #Schedule #Doesnt #Sense #Deadspin.com

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MI vs RCB, IPL 2026: Kieron Pollard dials down Rohit Sharma–Virat Kohli narrative ahead of marquee clash <div id="content-body-70851458" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Having played with and against the two veterans who will once again command attention on Sunday night, Kieron Pollard sought to dial down the Rohit Sharma–Virat Kohli narrative ahead of Mumbai Indians’ marquee clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium.</p><p>Pollard, now Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, insisted that the contest was bigger than individual rivalries, even as he acknowledged the value of the two stalwarts.</p><p>“You say it’s a Rohit-Kohli show. I look at it as Mumbai Indians versus RCB. Let the individuals enjoy this phase of their careers. They are still performing, they are still doing well. And even if they are not, they deserve the right to decide certain things,” Pollard said on Saturday.</p><p>“I’m happy that there are experienced guys still around. You need them to guide the younger players coming through, who will be the superstars in the next 10 to 15 years.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/virat-kohli-vaibhav-suryavanshi-orange-cap-signed-autograph-rr-vs-rcb/article70850297.ece" target="_blank">Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message</a></b></p><p>With Rohit set to turn 39 later this month and Kohli just a year younger, Pollard also brushed aside concerns around age, pointing to examples of longevity in modern cricket.</p><p>“Imran Tahir is playing somewhere in the world at 46 or 47. MS Dhoni is still playing at 44. Fortunately, I’m still playing around the world at 39. Different things motivate individuals to continue playing,” he said.</p><p>“These guys have done well for cricket overall. We tend to focus on age and what they should or shouldn’t do. We should honour players who have put smiles on our faces over time and let them decide when it’s time.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 11, 2026</p></div> #RCB #IPL #Kieron #Pollard #dials #Rohit #SharmaVirat #Kohli #narrative #ahead #marquee #clash

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CSK vs DC IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatre retired out after scoring half-century <div><div class="picture verticle"><picture><!--[if IE 9]><video style="display: none;"><![endif]--><source media="(min-width: 1600px)" sizes="960px" srcset="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/qfdhu7/article70851694.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_11_2026_000621B.jpg"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1599px)" sizes="640px" srcset="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/qfdhu7/article70851694.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_11_2026_000621B.jpg"/><source media="(min-width: 321px) and (max-width: 767px)" sizes="400px" srcset="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/qfdhu7/article70851694.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_11_2026_000621B.jpg"/><source media="(max-width: 320px)" sizes="320px" srcset="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/qfdhu7/article70851694.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI04_11_2026_000621B.jpg"/><!--[if IE 9]></video><![endif]--><img src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/ss-online/1x1_spacer.png" alt="Chennai: Chennai Super Kings' Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B)" title="Chennai: Chennai Super Kings' Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B)" data-original="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/ss-online/1x1_spacer.png" class="lead-img"/></picture><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p>Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B) | Photo Credit: PTI </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="infoIcon"/></figcaption></div></div><p class="caption"> Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B) | Photo Credit: PTI </p></div> #CSK #IPL #Ayush #Mhatre #retired #scoring #halfcentury

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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