The NFL's 2026 schedule has been released, and it marks a significant departure from the league's traditional structure. For the first time, a Thanksgiving Eve game will be played on a Wednesday night, and the schedule includes a record nine international contests, including the league's historic first trip to Australia. Games will be broadcast across more platforms than ever before, reflecting the NFL's aggressive pursuit of larger audiences and new markets.
Jason Kelce's Concerns About the NFL Moving Away from Sundays
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has voiced strong opposition to these changes. In a recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast, he expressed his frustration over the league's gradual shift away from Sunday games. "This is the one thing that I think the NFL needs to hold on to that I feel like we're starting to drift away from. I don't think we're there yet. Sunday is the day of football," Kelce said. He emphasized that Sunday has been a sacred institution for generations, with families gathering around televisions and fans building their weekly routines around NFL games. "With every day that we keep adding in there, we're getting away from that just a little bit," he added. "I think the game got big, one of the reasons it got so popular and big was because it was an event: Sunday is the NFL."
The Rise of Holiday and International Games
The 2026 schedule introduces several new elements that challenge the primacy of Sunday. The Thanksgiving Eve game on Wednesday night is a notable addition, alongside Black Friday and Christmas games that fall into holiday programming rather than weekly expansion. The nine international games include matchups in Australia, Mexico, and Europe, designed to grow the league's global fanbase. While these games are tied to special circumstances, Kelce fears they could set a precedent for further erosion of the traditional Sunday schedule.
Travis Kelce's Perspective: Embracing Change
In contrast, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce sees the schedule changes as an opportunity. "I hear what you're saying, but I think they're very few and far in between outside of the holidays," he responded to his brother. "There's not just like a random Wednesday game in September." Travis pointed out that many of these unusual matchups are tied to special events, such as the season-opening Wednesday game due to the Australia matchup between the Rams and 49ers the following night. "I think it's awesome, I honestly do," Travis said. "If there's a chance to play on a f---ing primetime game, which all these one-off games are that aren't on Sunday, I'm f---ing getting so excited for those opportunities."
The Broader Debate: Tradition vs. Growth
The divide between the Kelce brothers mirrors a larger debate within the NFL and its fanbase. On one side, traditionalists like Jason value the routine and cultural significance of Sunday football. On the other, modernists like Travis see the league's expansion into new days and platforms as a way to increase visibility and global reach. For now, Sundays remain at the center of the league, but the conversation itself highlights the careful balance the NFL must strike between growth and preserving the culture that built the sport. As the league continues to experiment with scheduling, the outcome will shape the future of American football.
