NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently revealed an ambitious plan to make the 2025 NFL season a historic one, with the possibility of hosting up to eight international games. Potential locations include major cities like Mexico City, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Dublin, and Munich.
Goodell’s objective is clear: expand the NFL’s influence globally by bringing American football to new, passionate audiences around the world. However, while fans may be excited, some of the NFL’s top players, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, are raising concerns about the toll this extensive travel could take on athletes.
Goodell’s Global Game Plan
Laying out the league’s international roadmap, Goodell stated, “We’re definitely going to Spain, that’s confirmed. We expect to return to Mexico City, Brazil, and the U.K. Ireland is a strong possibility, and we’ll certainly be back in Germany. If that totals eight games, that’s what we’re aiming for.” His bold strategy is intended to propel American football from coast to coast, reaching fans across Europe, South America, and potentially beyond.
But this global expansion comes with significant demands. Frequent travel, time zone shifts, and limited rest between games could add up to a grueling experience for players, some of whom are already feeling the impact. The question many are asking is whether the benefits of global exposure might be outweighed by the heavy toll on players’ well-being.
Kelce Brothers Voice Player Concerns
Brothers and NFL players Travis and Jason Kelce recently discussed the league’s international expansion on their podcast, New Heights. They voiced growing concerns about the impact of frequent overseas games on players’ physical and mental health. Travis, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, quipped, “Isn’t this too much? They want to send us to the moon next?” His humor masked an underlying frustration with the increased demands that players face with each new international commitment.
Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, chimed in with a more tempered response, joking, “I’m all in on international games, as long as most of the Eagles games are still in Philadelphia.” While both brothers approached the topic with humor, their comments reflect broader player sentiment: an unease with the added pressure and physical strain that these long-haul games entail.
Travis also proposed that if the NFL is serious about going global, it should prioritize locations that “make sense,” mentioning Australia as a more reasonable option. However, his repeated remarks reveal an underlying fatigue with the league’s rapid push for international growth. According to league insiders, if the NFL’s global ambitions continue to intensify, it could eventually prompt players like Kelce to reconsider their future in the sport.
Balancing Excitement and Strain: Is Goodell’s Vision Sustainable?
There’s no question that international games generate significant excitement among global fans and can help the NFL grow its international fan base. Yet, as the league intensifies its international focus, players face the burden of more demanding schedules, tougher travel requirements, and shorter recovery times.
Interestingly, in a previous New Heights episode, Travis Kelce expressed openness to the idea of playing for a London-based team if the NFL ever established a permanent overseas franchise.
However, given his recent comments, it’s unclear if he and others would still be interested in such a substantial commitment or if the mounting pressure could eventually push players toward retirement.
As Goodell continues to drive the NFL’s international vision forward, one question remains: will the global expansion enhance the sport, or could it push some of its biggest stars, like Travis Kelce, to step away from the league altogether?
