Why does the NFL play exhibition games?

[gamecockcat]

It has to be 100% driven by money, right? Obviously, the fans are not considered since very few starters and major subs play in exhibition games. NFL teams have plenty of time to prepare, many/most have scrimmages with other teams in fall camp, etc., so there is no reason why teams aren't ready to play real games immediately. College teams don't have/need exhibition games. Yes, many teams schedule a 'win' for the first game or very early while NFL teams don't have that luxury. But, it's a full-time job for NFL players and teams. After OTAs, voluntary workouts and preseason camp, professionals can't be ready to play the regular season? They need 3 exhibition games in which mainly 2nd and 3rd teamers participate in an effort to make at least the practice squad? For most of every exhibition game, the fans/audience can't recognize or call the players' names who are on the field. Maybe 2 or 3 will make the squad. But, that can't be determined during practice, drills and intrasquad scrimmages? It's a complete ripoff of the fans who are compelled to pay the same price for exhibition games as regular season games to watch, for the most part, non-NFL players compete.

I would applaud an 18-game schedule, an expanded roster (maybe 60 players with another 8-10 on practice squad) and zero exhibition games. I don't know anyone, even those who are huge NFL fans, that pay any attention to exhibition games. Why have them?

 

[StubbornPenny]

It’s a relic from when they played themselves into shape during camp. Like you said, it’s a 24/7 job now. However, it’s written into season ticket and TV contracts - you want the real games, you gotta take the exhibition.

It likely will go to 18 games with two exhibitions in the next few years. Coaches still like seeing fringe roster guys in a real game, but is less important than it was.

 

[vhcat70]

Why wouldn't it be driven for money? They're a business, right. And as a business, they need to determine which employees are best. Preseason games given them part of that opportunity. What's the problem?

 

[megablue]

Why wouldn't it be driven for money? They're a business, right. And as a business, they need to determine which employees are best. Preseason games given them part of that opportunity. What's the problem?

Not only to evaluate players (employees), especially rookies, but to evaluate schemes they plan on using during the season.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

All of it is driven by $.

I dont even watch the pre season anymore though. Titans won in a thriller last night but who cares because it means nothing and the starters didn't appear to play any.

 

[The-Hack]

Why do they sell beer and team merchandise in the stadium during preseason and regular season games?

It kind of makes you think there is a profit motive working behind the scenes?!?!?

 

[vhcat70]

I'm a fair weather Bengals fan. I'm a thick & thin Wildcats fan.

 

[Pelosigalore]

The Bengals didn’t make any attempt at all yesterday. They might as well have let the training staff play. It was an abomination.

I’m on board with 1 or 2 exhibition games. Play 18 regular season games with 2 bye weeks and let’s roll.

 

[know1]

Another related question is why none of them are on TV anymore?