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Former NFL Head coach Jon Gruden has become the latest figure in the game to call for Thursday night games to be canceled.
On Monday on FOX Sports' Wake Up Barstool, Gruden said Thursday night's game was a disadvantage for players and criticized the Denver Broncos' frustrating 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders to start Week 10.
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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 pleasure it is,” Gruden said jokingly. “No preparation, no time to recover, no chance. Get rid of these Thursday Night Games. Throw them away. 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 any preparation? Stop these games.”
Thursday night's games were carefully monitored for player safety. Most teams have just three days to rest and recover after Sunday's game before returning to the field.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in 2023 that he did not believe the league was putting players in danger with its games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell observes a press conference at the Caesars Superdome on February 3, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, before 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 put Amazon ahead of our players. … The data does not show higher injury rates,” he said at the time.
Thursday night games have seen their fair share of oddities over the years, whether it be losses, 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 a touchdown pass during 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 agreement with the NFL that began in 2023. Thursday night games are here to stay.
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