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Louis Riddick criticizes NFL's approach to preseason practices and player preparation

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 5:30 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Louis Riddick criticizes NFL's approach to preseason practices and player preparation

Summary

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick expressed frustration over the current mindset of NFL players, fans, and media regarding offseason practices. He referred to the complaints about preseason games and suggested that the NFL might as well abolish the regular season to accommodate them. Riddick emphasized the importance of practice and preparation in maintaining the quality of the game, aligning with recent comments from Tom Brady about players skipping practices. Riddick's statements echoed concerns about the game's gradual decline in intensity due to safety measures, calling for a reevaluation of what is expected from players as the season approaches.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Louis Riddick criticized complaints about NFL offseason practices.
•He suggested abolishing the regular season in response to player attitudes.
•Riddick highlighted the importance of practice for maintaining game quality.
•Tom Brady shared similar sentiments on the value of training and preparation.
•Riddick warned that reducing practice could negatively impact the game.

Latest Updates

5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Louis Riddick lambasts softening of the NFL: ‘Maybe abolish the regular season’

What they're saying

"
As NFL players, fans and media downplay practice, minicamp, OTAs, and everything that goes into preparing for the season, ESPN’s Louis Riddick has heard enough of the complaints. Earlier this week, Tom Brady went off on NFL players for skipping preseason games, saying, “your job is to play football” while talking about how much he…
— Yahoo Sports

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