How the NFL Preseason has Changed Over Time
Introduction
The NFL preseason, once a full-length slate of exhibition games, has transformed dramatically over the years. What began as an informal period for teams to “barnstorm” and play non-league opponents has evolved into a highly structured, shorter window focused on player evaluation, roster management, and, most importantly, player health and safety. The changes reflect the league’s growth, the influence of collective bargaining, and a growing emphasis on minimizing risk in a high-contact sport.
1. The Early Years and “Barnstorming” (Pre-1970s)
In the early days of the NFL, the concept of a preseason was fluid. Teams would schedule “exhibition” games against a variety of opponents, including college teams, to generate revenue. These games didn’t count toward the standings and were used to gauge player performance and prepare for the regular season. This era was characterized by a less formal structure and a greater emphasis on generating income through informal “test matches” before the official season began.
2. The Rise of the Exhibition Schedule (1970s)
With the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the preseason schedule became more formalized. The league secured an antitrust exemption, which led to a significant increase in the number of exhibition games. From 1970 to 1977, teams played six preseason games, and team owners began to require season ticket holders to purchase tickets for these games in order to keep their seats for the regular season. The preseason was a longer, more integral part of the business model.
3. The 16-Game Regular Season and the 4-Game Preseason (1978-2019)
In 1978, the NFL expanded the regular season from 14 to 16 games. This change was a pivotal moment for the preseason, as it was subsequently reduced from six games to four. For over four decades, this four-game structure became the standard. This period also saw the implementation of various rules changes that were often first tested in the preseason, such as instant replay in 1978.
4. Player Safety and Collective Bargaining (2011 CBA)
The 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) marked a turning point in the league’s approach to player safety and the preseason. The CBA introduced significant restrictions on training camp, including the elimination of the grueling “two-a-day” full-contact practices. It also placed limits on the number of full-contact padded practices during both training camp and the regular season. These changes were aimed at reducing the physical toll on players and minimizing the risk of injury.
5. The End of Overtime in Preseason Games (2021)
Prior to 2021, preseason games could go into overtime. However, in another move to prioritize player safety and reduce unnecessary risk, the NFL officially eliminated overtime from all preseason games. Now, if a game is tied at the end of regulation, it simply ends in a draw.
6. The 17-Game Regular Season and the 3-Game Preseason (2021)
The most recent major change to the preseason came in 2021, with the expansion of the regular season to 17 games. To accommodate the longer regular season and further reduce the risk of injury, the preseason was shortened to just three games for most teams. Teams that participate in the Hall of Fame Game still play a four-game preseason schedule.
7. Shift in Player Use
With a shorter preseason and greater emphasis on player safety, the way coaches use their players has also changed. Starters and veteran players now see very limited playing time, if any, in the preseason games. The focus has shifted to evaluating rookies, backup players, and those on the bubble of making the final roster.
8. The Role of Joint Practices
The reduction in the number of preseason games has made joint practices with other teams more crucial than ever. These controlled, high-intensity practices allow teams to get a feel for game speed and evaluate their players against different competition without the full-contact nature and injury risk of an actual game. The 2020 CBA also placed limits on the number of joint practices teams can hold.
9. Roster and Practice Squad Expansion
The most recent CBA also led to the expansion of both the game-day roster and the practice squad. The increased number of players on the active roster and the expanded practice squad provide teams with more flexibility to manage player health and depth throughout the season.
10. The Preseason Today
Today’s preseason is a streamlined, three-week process that serves as a final tune-up for the regular season. It is less about winning and more about talent evaluation. The games are used to assess players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, while veteran starters focus on getting into game shape and staying healthy.
Conclusion
The evolution of the NFL preseason is a microcosm of the league’s own development. It has gone from a loosely organized series of exhibition matches to a carefully managed and brief window of preparation. Driven by concerns for player safety, the influence of collective bargaining, and the expansion of the regular season, the preseason has been shortened, overtime has been eliminated, and the focus has shifted from high-stakes competition to efficient player evaluation. What was once a source of extra revenue and an extended on-field rehearsal is now a more contained and controlled process that reflects the modern NFL’s priority on player well-being and the business of a longer regular season.
