Thursday Night Football: NFL insider names four teams that opposed flex vote ft. Aaron Rodgers' Packers
Thursday Night Football is the most consistently controversial feature of the schedule every year, and 2023 will be no different.
Between an uptick in injuries and an uneven schedule for teams before and after the game, the program leaves many frustrated. Some of the frustration also comes when the only game on is a blowout, a low-scorer, or features two struggling teams.
The NFL took a shot at attempting to rectify the situation this offseason. They put forward a vote to allow for one set of opponents to be swapped out for another 15 days in advance.
According to "Football Morning in America," the motion was denied by just two votes. It needed 24 votes to pass, but came up short (22 to 8). The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos abstained from the vote, which may have been the difference.
Will Thursday Night Football flex scheduling see an implementation in 2024?
The four teams that have been revealed to have voted against the rule are some of the oldest franchises in the league. The New York Giants, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers all voted down the proposed schedule adjustment.
Giants’ John Mara is “adamantly opposed” to TNF flex scheduling proposal https://t.co/JIUoo5kTec
It seems an intriguing coincidence that the Jets and the Packers voted no on the Thursday Night Football motion, especially with the Aaron Rodgers trade dragging on. However, Rodgers' thoughts on the matter were not the reason given by the Green Bay Packers.
Why did Aaron Rodgers' Packers vote against the Thursday Night Football rule change?
Both Aaron Rodgers' potential former and future teams voted against the proposal. The Packers claimed they were looking out for their fans who traveled and spent a lot of money and vacation time going to games.
This is very sound reasoning, as it would be unfair for hard-working fans to need to change or blow up their plans two weeks away from the game.
The NFL announced that teams can now have two Thursday Night Football games per season. Limit was one. Now that’s changed.
Flexing for TNF is not happening … for now.
The proposal was halted, but it wasn't killed. Peter King expects the league to try again next year. With only two votes required, they'd only need two teams to change their minds. The Broncos and Panthers could be the swing votes on the issue if they can be convinced to go along with others voting in favor.