Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins has weighed in on the ongoing debate about the NFL potentially adding an 18th regular-season game. Speaking from a player's perspective, Dawkins acknowledged the business rationale behind the league's desire to expand the schedule but also stressed the physical toll and career implications for players.
The NFL is a highly competitive and physically demanding sport, where players must give their all every time they take the field. This intense demand contributes to the average NFL career lasting only about three seasons, a figure influenced by both the level of elite talent and the significant injury risks inherent in football. Despite these challenges, the NFL continues to thrive as a business, with fans eager to see more football action throughout the year.
The 2026 NFL season is set to begin on a Wednesday night, partly due to a unique international game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. This game will start at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, which corresponds to Thursday night at 8:35 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. This scheduling reflects the NFL's ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint and provide fans with more football content across various time zones.
From Dawkins' viewpoint as an offensive lineman who regularly endures the physical grind of the game's trenches, the current 17-game schedule is already demanding. He recognizes that from a business perspective, adding an 18th game makes sense because fans want more football. "The world we live in is just a different type of world," Dawkins said. "Production, entertainment, sports - people want to see football more, they want to see it. So, the 18th game is a beautiful business choice as the league."
However, Dawkins also raised a crucial counterpoint: the impact on players' careers and long-term health. He emphasized that while one additional game might not drastically shorten a career, it can be the tipping point that alters a player's life trajectory. "If you make it through a 17-game season healthy, and you get to 18 and your body is ready to break down, something happens," he explained. "Then, the course of your life is totally different."
Dawkins understands the demands of postseason play as well, having been part of successful Buffalo Bills teams that frequently reach the playoffs. The playoffs begin shortly after the regular season concludes, and teams often rest key starters if their playoff seeding is already secured. However, not all teams have that luxury during the regular season, which amplifies the physical strain on players.
Despite the concerns, Dawkins believes the 18th game is inevitable. He expressed hope that if the NFL does expand the schedule, players will be adequately protected and compensated. "Our contracts aren't fully guaranteed," he said. "There are good players, there are average players, there are players that are just making it by. As long as guys are taken care of the way they're supposed to, this is our life. We're athletes, and not that I'm here for it, it's going to happen either way - an 18th game."
Looking ahead, Dawkins suggested that this could be just the beginning. He speculated that after the 18th game, discussions might arise about a 19th or even a 20th game in the future, potentially turning NFL players into "combat athletes all year long." He also noted that while NBA players manage long seasons with 82 games and can afford to rest during some contests, the NFL's structure makes every game critical, making such rest strategies less feasible.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has expressed clear resistance to the idea of an 18th regular-season game. David White, who served as the NFLPA's interim executive director prior to the election of JC Tretter, stated during Super Bowl LX week that players "have no appetite for a regular-season 18th game." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has acknowledged that the 18th game is "not a given," but some owners are more emphatic. For instance, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has publicly declared that "every team will go 18," suggesting the league is moving decisively toward expanding the schedule.
Alongside his football career, Dawkins is also active in community initiatives. He has partnered with Crest and Oral-B on the "Closing America's Smile Gap" campaign, which aims to provide free dental cleanings to families in need through the nonprofit America's ToothFairy. Dawkins' involvement reflects his broader commitment to supporting underserved youth, which he also pursues through his own Dion's Dreamers foundation.
Dawkins highlighted the importance of oral health, especially for low-income families where parents often delay or skip their own dental care to ensure their children receive treatment. He emphasized that oral health is more than just brushing teeth; regular dental cleanings and professional care are vital for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. "It's a no-brainer, a layup," he said about the partnership. "For people that are doing the right things to help, it all aligns."
Dion Dawkins' insights shed light on the complex balance between the NFL's business ambitions and the realities faced by players on the field. While the league seeks to grow and engage fans with more football, the physical and career risks for players remain a significant concern. As discussions about an 18th regular-season game continue, voices like Dawkins' help ensure that players' health, safety, and financial security remain central to the conversation.
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