When the NFL rolled out its 17-game schedule in 2021, many saw it as a stepping stone to an 18-game season. But five years later, that expansion hasn't happened, and ESPN's Chris Berman thinks a frightening on-field moment in 2022 is the reason why.
During a Monday night game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, safety Damar Hamlin collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest. His life was saved by rapid medical response, but the incident sent shockwaves through the league. Since then, player safety has become a top priority for the NFL Players Association, and Berman believes that shift directly impacted the league's long-term scheduling ambitions.
In an interview with Front Office Sports, Berman suggested that Hamlin's near-death experience made it impossible for the NFL to push forward with an 18-game season. "The push that might have happened while these current deals were in place—once Damar Hamlin happened, not the time to put it forward," he said. "That’s my belief. I’m sure I’m not too far off."
Timing is everything
The NFL has long been interested in expanding the regular season, but the optics of doing so right after a player nearly died on the field would have been terrible. Berman argues that the league, known for its strategic patience, chose to wait rather than face a public relations backlash. The current collective bargaining agreement runs until the early 2030s, and Berman predicts the 18-game push will resurface as that deal winds down.
"When the NFL floats stuff, it’s not a done deal by any means, but it’s a bigger magnitude than what I’m going to say," Berman explained. "The NFL is smarter than everybody else. You didn’t hear anything about it for a couple years because you’d have to get the players and everyone [to approve], and then maybe with three years left in this TV deal, ‘Yeah, we’re having 18 games.’"
That timeline could put an announcement around 2028 or 2029, giving the league time to negotiate with the players' union and broadcast partners. The NFL has a history of testing the waters with new ideas, gauging public reaction before committing. The 17-game schedule was a gradual step, and an 18th game would likely follow a similar path.
For now, the league seems content to let the memory of Hamlin's incident fade further into the past. But as flex scheduling discussions continue to evolve, the appetite for more regular-season football remains strong. Berman's comments highlight how a single, tragic moment can reshape the entire trajectory of a multi-billion-dollar sport.
While the 2023-2026 window may have been too soon for the NFL to make its move, the next few years could see the league get back on track with its expansion plans. Whether players will embrace the idea remains to be seen, but Berman's insight offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes thinking of the NFL's decision-makers.
