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Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden became the latest figure around the game to call for the cancellation of the Thursday night games.
Gruden said Monday on FOX Sports’ “Wake Up Barstool” that having a Thursday night game is a disadvantage for the players, taking a swipe at the blowout that was the Denver Broncos’ 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of the Week 10 slate.
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Then-Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on August 18, 2021. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
“Let’s start with ‘Thursday Night Football,’ man. What a treat that is,” Gruden said, face-palming. “No preparation, no time to recover, no chance. Get rid of these Thursday night games. Dump them. It’s not fair to the players, it’s not fair to the coaches. Who goes out and tries to perform at a high level without preparation? Dump these games.”
The Thursday night games have been scrutinized due to player safety. Most teams come off a Sunday game and only have three days to rest and recover before going back on the field.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in 2023 that he did not believe the league was putting players at risk with the games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looks on during a news conference at Caesars Superdome on February 3, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana prior to the NFL Super Bowl LIX football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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“I don’t think we’re putting Amazon above our players. … The data doesn’t show higher injury rates,” he said at the time.
Thursday night games have seen their share of oddities over the years, whether it’s been blowouts, low-scoring games, controversial injuries or the weather, there’s always something to talk about coming out of the game.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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Amazon has an 11-year media rights deal with the NFL starting in 2023. Thursday night games are here to stay.
