NFL (2020-2024)

[jeffandnicole]

I disagree. Nobody in any profession should be making more than $500,000 per year post-tax. The point of a salary for a job is that you can sustain yourself and not need a second job. There is no reason to go above and beyond with multimillion per year. Even Congress and the US President have a salary below the number I mentioned above.

Part of this is because I follow a league where salaries are $35,000-$80,000, which needs to be increased, but I feel the much more famous leagues also need to be brought downward.

That's not the point of a salary. A salary represents the value and skill of your work to an employer. Many can stock shelves and work checkouts. Few can guide a multi-nation company. Salaries are representing the workforce available to handle those positions.

Sustaining yourself various. Someone living a frugal lifestyle won't need as much money as someone that has an extravagant lifestyle. But a $500k earner could be the one with the frugality - that doesn't mean they should take a cut in their pay.

If you follow a league where you think players should make more, how do they make money to pay the players? I sarcastically enjoy media writers that will say people need to pay more attention to these other leagues...then never report on the games. The media wants to appear they care, but they also know people aren't buying papers to read about those games. And TV has very specific ratings data that shows when these leagues and games are discussed, people turn the channel.

Are pro players paid too much? Yeah, they are. But people still go to the games, watch them on TV, and buy the products that allow the owners to support those salaries.

[SEWIGuy]

I disagree. Nobody in any profession should be making more than $500,000 per year post-tax. The point of a salary for a job is that you can sustain yourself and not need a second job. There is no reason to go above and beyond with multimillion per year. Even Congress and the US President have a salary below the number I mentioned above.

Part of this is because I follow a league where salaries are $35,000-$80,000, which needs to be increased, but I feel the much more famous leagues also need to be brought downward.

Yeah that really can't happen unless market forces dictate it. Honestly NFL, NBA, etc. athletes voluntarily restrict their income due to the collective bargaining agreements in place. Top level players in those leagues would make even more without these restrictions in place.

[Ted$8roadFan]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

[epzik8]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

[The Ghostbuster]

How many of you are looking forward to the first preseason game: the Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears from the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio? It airs Thursday Night at 8:00 PM EST on ABC.

[SEWIGuy]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

[DenverBrian]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

[SEWIGuy]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

Obviously I was talking about relative to one another - not society at large. The last pick in the NFL draft is going to make just over 1% of the cash paid out to Jared Goff and Jordan Love this year. If he even sticks on the team since his salary isn't guaranteed at all.

[DenverBrian]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

Obviously I was talking about relative to one another - not society at large. The last pick in the NFL draft is going to make just over 1% of the cash paid out to Jared Goff and Jordan Love this year. If he even sticks on the team since his salary isn't guaranteed at all.

Sorry, not shedding tears over the last pick in the NFL draft. There are better income inequality battles to fight.

[SEWIGuy]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

Obviously I was talking about relative to one another - not society at large. The last pick in the NFL draft is going to make just over 1% of the cash paid out to Jared Goff and Jordan Love this year. If he even sticks on the team since his salary isn't guaranteed at all.

Sorry, not shedding tears over the last pick in the NFL draft. There are better income inequality battles to fight.

I'm not shedding any tears and am certainly not fighting any income inequality battles. What on earth gave you that idea?

[mgk920]

Didn't the NFL set a 'probationary' salary cap for recent draft picks a few seasons ago?

Mike

[Big John]

Didn't the NFL set a 'probationary' salary cap for recent draft picks a few seasons ago?

Mike

Individual rookie contracts are set based on where the player was drafted/free agent (2011 CBA agreement). But I don't think there is a team cap for unvested players.

[DenverBrian]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

Obviously I was talking about relative to one another - not society at large. The last pick in the NFL draft is going to make just over 1% of the cash paid out to Jared Goff and Jordan Love this year. If he even sticks on the team since his salary isn't guaranteed at all.

Sorry, not shedding tears over the last pick in the NFL draft. There are better income inequality battles to fight.

I'm not shedding any tears and am certainly not fighting any income inequality battles. What on earth gave you that idea?

Um, this gave me that idea: " The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out." "

[SEWIGuy]

While everyone is focused on the admittedly eye popping salaries paid to elite players in general and quarterbacks in particular, the vast majority of NFL players don't have guaranteed contracts. Not only that, many careers are so short that their pay, while high to most people, really isn't considering the risk of injury, being cut, and so on.

That's why some of the less-prolific players IMO deserve more attention, at least if their skill sets are just as good.

The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out."

Minimum contract at the NFL is $800K - $1M. There is no "middle class" or "fodder" there. The poorest NFL player is already in the top 1%. 

Obviously I was talking about relative to one another - not society at large. The last pick in the NFL draft is going to make just over 1% of the cash paid out to Jared Goff and Jordan Love this year. If he even sticks on the team since his salary isn't guaranteed at all.

Sorry, not shedding tears over the last pick in the NFL draft. There are better income inequality battles to fight.

I'm not shedding any tears and am certainly not fighting any income inequality battles. What on earth gave you that idea?

Um, this gave me that idea: " The NFL has become a system of high-priced stars and low-priced "fodder" that is usually drafted and used up within three to five years. What exists of the "middle class" is usually signed to contracts that seem impressive, but usually have a beneficial team "out." "

I am simply describing the current situation. I don't really care who makes what - as long as the Packers win in the end.

[Henry]

Looks like the talk of an 18-game season won't go away...

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2024/07/25/18-game-nfl-season-is-coming-schedule-concerns-veterans/74535422007/

https://apnews.com/article/nfl-schedule-expansion-18-games-lloyd-howell-921dd978cd9a7b0837e41b15ac4f6318

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/what-if-the-nfl-expanded-to-an-18-game-schedule-what-would-it-look-like-if-it-happens/

It's not a matter of if, but when, it'll happen, and I'm still not a fan of the current 17-game schedule.

[Ted$8roadFan]

If the NFL does go to 18 games, as now seems inevitable, I would hope a second bye week would follow.

[NWI_Irish96]

If the NFL does go to 18 games, as now seems inevitable, I would hope a second bye week would follow.

That's unlikely. FOX and CBS are already complaining about the lackluster slates when there are bye weeks and international games, reducing the inventory for the 1pm and 4:25pm time slots.

[SEWIGuy]

The 18 game season was inevitable as soon as they went to 17 games.

[webny99]

If the NFL does go to 18 games, as now seems inevitable, I would hope a second bye week would follow.

That's unlikely. FOX and CBS are already complaining about the lackluster slates when there are bye weeks and international games, reducing the inventory for the 1pm and 4:25pm time slots.

The players are definitely going to push for a second bye week, and I think it could happen. It wouldn't really change the number of games per week that much. Plus the league has a whole bunch of other ways to reduce the chance of lackluster games, such as increased flexible scheduling, and what they seem to be trying this year with backloading the majority of important conference and division games.

A 2-week preseason and 20-week season with 18 games would get everything back to even numbers which just makes sense. We would also have a proper "halfway point" where all teams have played equal number of games at midseason, which also makes sense - and hasn't happened in the NFL in a long time due to byes being split before and after midseason.

[mgk920]

My biggest worries abut that are the earlier start (*HOTTER* weather) and later end (*COLDER* weather) to regular seasons that that would require.  American football is supposed to be a fall sport.

The 1967 NFL championship game (the 'Ice Bowl') was played on 1967-12-31.  Training camps now already open in late July.

Mike

[hotdogPi]

Maybe they could shorten the season by allowing all seven days of the week to have games and have a team play the occasional two games in one week, making sure that no team plays twice closer than five days apart. For example, if the NFL week begins on Thursday, a team could play Friday 9/13, Thursday 9/19, Wednesday 9/25, and Monday 9/30, where 9/19 and 9/25 are in the same week.

[SEWIGuy]

My biggest worries abut that are the earlier start (*HOTTER* weather) and later end (*COLDER* weather) to regular seasons that that would require.  American football is supposed to be a fall sport.

The 1967 NFL championship game (the 'Ice Bowl') was played on 1967-12-31.  Training camps now already open in late July.

Training camp used to start much earlier than it does now. In the 60s for instance, it would begin in early July with pre-season games starting in August. And there were five or six of them.

Regardless, every sport plays out of its traditional season now.

Maybe they could shorten the season by allowing all seven days of the week to have games and have a team play the occasional two games in one week, making sure that no team plays twice closer than five days apart. For example, if the NFL week begins on Thursday, a team could play Friday 9/13, Thursday 9/19, Wednesday 9/25, and Monday 9/30, where 9/19 and 9/25 are in the same week.

The networks will never go for that. They could start Labor Day weekend, which they pretty regularly before 2000 but there was a reason they stopped doing that.

[DenverBrian]

My biggest worries abut that are the earlier start (*HOTTER* weather) and later end (*COLDER* weather) to regular seasons that that would require.  American football is supposed to be a fall sport.

The 1967 NFL championship game (the 'Ice Bowl') was played on 1967-12-31.  Training camps now already open in late July.

Mike

And baseball is supposed to be a summer sport, and basketball is supposed to be a winter sport, and where are they now?

[jgb191]

Since preseason kicks off tonight I guess I'll be the first one here to post my season outlook now; and this is assuming minimal impact from injuries and that Aaron and Deshaun play all 17 games.

Tonight marks the second HOF game in Texans history, with the first one being their franchise opener in August 2002.  Interestingly enough since the arrival of my Texans, no preseason game has been played in July.

My divisional AFC South Outlook:
11-6 Texans
10-7 Jaguars
9-8  Colts
8-9  Titans

I'll also going to go as far as guessing our six losses:  at Colts, at Vikings, at Patriots, vs Jaguars (home), at Jets, vs Ravens (home) in that order.

My predictions for division champions:
AFC North:  Bills
AFC East:  Ravens
AFC South:  Texans
AFC West:  Chiefs

NFC North:  Lions
NFC East:  Eagles
NFC South:  Falcons
NFC West:  Niners

Wild Card Teams:
AFC -- Jaguars
AFC -- Chargers
AFC -- Browns

NFC -- Packers
NFC -- Bears
NFC -- Cowboys

I'm not guessing any records of other teams
No Super Bowl predictions yet -- anything can happen from now until the New Year.

[NWI_Irish96]

The Bears can't blow a 4th quarter lead if there's no 4th quarter.