Rodgers recalls talks on 16-game international NFL week

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says past collective-bargaining discussions included a possible week in which all 16 regular-season games would be played at international locations, with teams receiving an additional bye. His account describes a 16-game season and two bye weeks, but does not establish that the concept became a formal proposal or agreement. Rodgers discussed the idea after Pittsburgh’s victory over the New Orleans Saints in Paris. He recalled that negotiators had talked about expanding international play and setting aside a week for games in 16 locations. The reports of his remarks repeat the same account; no bargaining document or separate participant account was cited to confirm how far the discussion advanced. He said such a week would have been good for the game and its international growth. Rodgers also pointed to the owners’ push for a 17th regular-season game, which he linked to additional revenue and player safety. The remarks present his characterization of the owners’ motivations, rather than an independently established explanation for the league’s position. Rodgers said the league should require visiting teams to engage with the...