Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has openly criticized the NFL for scheduling three games within an 11-day span, particularly highlighting the Steelers’ upcoming Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Roethlisberger expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s miserable. It’s a shame that the league does this. It just shows that it’s all about money… because it’s not fair for the players.”
He emphasized the physical toll on players, noting, “You’re going to make guys play the most violent game in the world, arguably, three games in 11 days. I mean, there’s no time for your body to get healthy and rest.”
Roethlisberger’s comments highlight a perceived contradiction between the NFL’s stated commitment to player safety and the demands of such a condensed schedule. He pointed out that while the league implements rules to reduce injuries, like changes to kickoff protocols and tackling techniques, the scheduling of multiple games in a short timeframe undermines these efforts.
The Steelers are not alone in facing this grueling schedule; other teams are also set to play three games within 11 days during the holiday season. Critics argue that this scheduling is driven by the league’s desire to capitalize on high viewership during the holidays, potentially at the expense of player well-being.
Roethlisberger’s stance resonates with current players and fans who are concerned about the implications of such scheduling on player health and game quality. As the NFL continues to expand its schedule to include more holiday games, the balance between commercial interests and player safety remains a contentious issue.
The league has not publicly responded to Roethlisberger’s remarks. However, the debate underscores the ongoing tension between the NFL’s business objectives and its responsibility to safeguard the athletes who make the game possible.
