Former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon criticizes NFL Thursday night schedule

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon argues that the NFL should discontinue Thursday night games due to player safety concerns. Gannon contends that the short turnaround between Sunday and Thursday games provides insufficient time for physical recovery, leaving players susceptible to exhaustion and injury. The former MVP emphasized the violent nature of the sport, noting that teams struggle to prepare adequately in just four days. His criticism coincides with growing awareness regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition tied to repeated head trauma in professional football. Gannon highlighted his personal experience with the degenerative brain disease, citing the diagnosis of his father-in-law, Bill Brown. A recent study by Mass General Brigham found evidence of CTE in 215 of 235 former players examined, further fueling calls to reevaluate the physical demands of the league schedule.

• 3:02 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Thursday Night Games Are Ridiculous’ — Former NFL MVP Takes Issue With League’s Scheduling Amid Rising CTE Concerns