Rodgers Criticizes NFL Owners, Discusses Weeklong Global Games

WHO:

The Washington Post - A Pittsburgh couple planned to attend the Steelers–Saints game in France.

ESPN - Rodgers said the NFL and NFL Players Association discussed an international-games plan during previous labor talks.

ESPN - Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said players, their families, and friends “really enjoyed” the day the team arrived.

Daily Mail Sports - Aaron Rodgers, described as a veteran quarterback, and his Steelers teammates played in the international game.

Heavy NFL - Aaron Rodgers was identified as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback; the game involved the Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.

WHAT:

Steelers.com - Teams bring staff from departments including public relations, community relations, football operations, equipment, video, IT, and digital content to international games; some teams need multiple flights to transport staff.

Steelers.com - The NFL oversees international-game stadium operations and the event’s flow.

Steelers.com - The team’s uniform-color combination is an ownership decision within NFL rules.

ESPN - Rodgers proposed an international week with games in 16 locations, 16 regular-season weeks, and two bye weeks, including an added bye week for international games.

ESPN - Rodgers said owners pushed for a 17-game season for additional revenue, while invoking player safety.

ESPN - The NFL was playing a record nine international games across seven countries that season.

ESPN - Rodgers said the league should require teams traveling overseas to arrive Sunday or Monday, experience local culture, and take part in events, outreach, and community work; he said teams would need greater travel budgets.

ESPN - The NFL canceled multiple events before the game amid protests, rioting, and unrest.

Daily Mail Sports - The Steelers beat the Saints in the NFL’s first-ever game in France.

Daily Mail Sports - Rodgers criticized NFL owners as “tight.”

Daily Mail Sports - Rodgers revealed that talks had taken place about holding a full week of international games.

Heavy NFL - Rodgers spoke at length about the NFL’s international series after playing the Saints in Paris.

WHERE:

ESPN - Rodgers cited Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, England, Spain, and Germany as international-game destinations and suggested another South American country or Dubai as possible additions.

ESPN - Paris had boarded-up storefronts and a heavy police presence ahead of protests.

Daily Mail Sports - The game was played in Paris, France.

Heavy NFL - The game against the New Orleans Saints took place in Paris, France.

WHY:

Steelers.com - The NFL’s stated goal for international games is to grow American football into a global sport and attraction.

ESPN - Rodgers said an international week would benefit the game and its global expansion.

HOW:

Daily Mail Sports - The NFL’s international series included the Steelers-Saints game in France.

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first game in France, played in Paris amid protests and heightened security, with several events canceled. Rodgers said the NFL and players’ union had discussed a full week of international games during past labor talks, and he proposed a schedule spanning 16 locations and 16 regular-season weeks, with two bye weeks. He argued teams traveling overseas should arrive early, take part in local events and community work, and receive larger travel budgets, saying international games can help grow football worldwide.