Rodgers Backs International Week Idea in the NFL

Aaron Rodgers backed the idea of adding an international week to the NFL season. Speaking after the Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints at the Stade de France in Paris, Rodgers argued that teams should travel to the host city before Sunday or Monday for international games.

Rodgers passed Peyton Manning to become the third most prolific touchdown passer in history. The Steelers also won in Dublin last year against the Minnesota Vikings. The Paris game this week stood out as one of the league's newest steps in Europe.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he plans to stage a game in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028. The league is aiming for 16 international games per season in the long term.

Rodgers acknowledged that soccer has more fans around the world. Still, he noted that the Super Bowl is broadcast in more than 100 countries. He listed Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, England and Dubai as possible markets for expansion.

Rodgers said that during the 2011 collective bargaining talks, increasing the number of international games was discussed, but it did not become a concrete step until the second collective bargaining agreement. In his view, an international week model could be important for the league's growth.