David Andrews Blasts NFL Commissioner Goodell’s “Unnecessary” Preseason Elimination Proposal
In a bold rebuttal to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s suggestion that the league could eliminate the preseason, New England Patriots center David Andrews vehemently defended its importance for players.
Goodell had recently floated the idea of adding an 18th regular-season game while axing a preseason game, citing quality over quantity.
But Andrews, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, took to Instagram to strongly disagree with Goodell’s stance.
“With all due respect, you don’t need it cause you’re not suiting up,” Andrews wrote in an Instagram Story. “There’s a lot of veterans who don’t. But there’s a lot of young players and undrafted guys who need it to develop and prove they deserve a chance to play.”
Andrews emphasized that the preseason serves as a crucial proving ground for aspiring players.
Importance of the Preseason for Player Development
Andrews explained that the preseason provides:
- Development opportunities: Young players can gain valuable on-field experience without the intense pressure of regular-season games.
- Evaluation platform: Undrafted players and rookies showcase their skills and compete for roster spots.
- Injury prevention: The preseason games allow coaches to assess fitness levels and reduce the likelihood of injuries during the regular season.
Andrews’ perspective resonates with many players who have relied on the preseason to establish themselves in the league.
David Andrews of the New England Patriots during a game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Future of the Preseason
While no concrete steps have been taken towards eliminating a preseason game, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) would need to approve any schedule changes.
It remains to be seen whether the NFL and the NFLPA will reach a consensus on this issue. However, David Andrews’ passionate stance on the preseason’s importance provides a compelling argument for its preservation.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
