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Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden became the latest gaming figure to call for the dismantling of games played on Thursday night.
Gruden said Monday on FOX Sports' “Wake Up Barstool” that having a game on Thursday night is a disadvantage for players, and criticized what a slog was the Denver Broncos' 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 treat it is,” Gruden said jokingly. “No preparation, no time to recover, no chance. Get rid of these Thursday night games. Get rid of 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? Get rid of these games.”
Thursday night games have been closely scrutinized for player safety. Most teams come out of a Sunday game and only have three days to rest and recover before returning to the field.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in 2023 that he did not believe the league was putting players in harm's way 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 before our players… The data doesn't show a higher injury rate,” he said at the time.
Thursday night games have seen their share of oddities over the years, whether it's 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 during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on 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, which began in 2023. Thursday night games are here to stay.
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