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Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has become the latest gaming figure to call for the dismantling of games played Thursday night.
Gruden said Monday on FOX Sports’ “Wake Up Barstool” that having a Thursday night game was a disadvantage for the players, and criticized the slog that was the Denver Broncos’ 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders early in Week 10.
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Jon Gruden, then coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, 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 facetiously. “No preparation, no time to recover, no chance. Get rid of those Thursday night games. Give them up. 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? Give up these games.”
Thursday night games were closely scrutinized due to player safety. Most teams come off 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 didn’t think the league was putting players in danger with the games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell attends a press 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 prioritizing Amazon over our players. … The data doesn’t show a higher injury rate,” he said at the time.
Thursday night games have had their fair share of oddities over the years, whether it’s breakouts, 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 entered into an 11-year media rights deal with the NFL, which begins in 2023. Thursday night games are here to stay.
