The Case for Eliminating Thursday Night Football Completely
I have watched a fair number of Thursday night football games, and I think that most of them have been a snorefest. Al Michaels sounds like he’d rather be anywhere else but calling the action. Additionally, the short turnaround time has raised concerns about player safety.
In his article, “Why I Hate Thursday Night Football”, former standout Richard Sherman gives a players perspective. Sherman gives an example of the typical week of an NFL player. Here is his Thursday description…
“Thursday You get to take the pads off, and practice is a little bit lighter. You’re running and practicing, and the soreness is starting to wane. But your body still isn’t ready to go through the trauma of playing another football game.”*
Some data suggests that the overall quality of play in Thursday Night Football games might not be as bad as the perception suggests. For instance, studies examining scoring and game competitiveness (using measures like point differential) haven’t found statistically significant differences between Thursday night games and those played on Sundays or Mondays. Additionally, there’s been no significant difference observed in fumble rates between Thursday night games and games on other days. Injury rates in TNF games compared to other days have also shown mixed results, with some studies indicating a slight increase while others finding no significant difference.
However, some data suggests that the overall quality of play in Thursday Night Football games might not be as bad as the perception suggests. For instance, studies examining scoring and game competitiveness (using measures like point differential) haven’t found statistically significant differences between Thursday night games and those played on Sundays or Mondays. Additionally, there’s been no significant difference observed in fumble rates between Thursday night games and games on other days. Injury rates in TNF games compared to other days have also shown mixed results, with some studies indicating a slight increase while others finding no significant difference.
The deciding factor, of course, is money. The league is a cash cow right now, with all the different streaming networks and legalized sports betting. Here is the available data since Amazon Prime started televising Thursday night NFL games…
Based on the available information from the 2024 NFL season (Amazon’s third season exclusively airing the games), Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video saw a significant increase in viewership compared to previous seasons.
Here are the key viewership trends for TNF on Amazon Prime Video:
• Overall Growth: Amazon’s TNF average viewership reached 13.2 million viewers per game in 2024, an 11% increase from the 2023 season (11.86 million) and a 38% increase over the inaugural 2022 season (9.58 million).
• Unique Viewers: In 2024, TNF on Prime Video was watched by 91.1 million unique U.S. viewers for at least one broadcast.
• Younger Audience: Amazon’s TNF continues to attract a younger audience compared to linear NFL broadcasts. In 2024, the median age for TNF viewers on Prime Video was 49, which is nearly seven years younger than the average median age of NFL viewers on linear television (55.7).
• Demographic Performance: The 2024 season saw record highs for TNF viewership in key demographics, including 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54. Among 18-34 year olds, TNF viewership in 2024 averaged 2.61 million, a 37% increase over the 2021 average when TNF was available on multiple linear TV platforms.
• Game Performance: The 2024 season included notable games with high viewership. For instance, the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game on December 5th became the most-watched TNF game on Prime Video, averaging 18.48 million viewers.
• Higher Household Income: Viewers of TNF on Prime Video tend to have a higher median household income ($101,800 in 2024) compared to those watching NFL games on linear networks ($87,800).
The future of the NFL hinges on striking a sustainable balance between entertainment and the well-being of its players. Continuing with the current model of Thursday Night Football, despite the mounting concerns, risks alienating players and fans alike and ultimately damaging the reputation of a hugely popular sport.
The reality of the NFL (and Prime’s) large revenue for these games casts significant doubt on the NFL putting a stop to this, whether or not it is the right thing to do for the players.
Fans hold significant power in shaping the NFL’s decisions. By voicing concerns about player safety and game quality, and by making conscious choices about viewership, fans can send a clear message to the league that the current model of Thursday Night Football is unsustainable and needs to be re-evaluated.
In conclusion, the case for eliminating Thursday Night Football is multifaceted and compelling. From the increased risk of player injuries to the diluted quality of play and the potential frustration for fans, the current model appears to have more downsides than benefits. While the NFL’s pursuit of revenue is undeniable, the long-term health of the league rests on prioritizing the well-being of its players and the integrity of the game. It is time for the NFL to heed the voices of its players and fans and move towards a more sustainable and player-centric approach to scheduling, ensuring that the spectacle of professional football remains both thrilling and ethically sound.
* The Players Tribune, Tuesdays With Richard on Thursdays
“Why I Hate Thursday Night Football” by Richard Sherman, Dec 15, 2016.
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)