SouthernWorldwide.com – Former Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann has voiced his concerns that the NFL is moving away from its traditional scheduling, particularly with the increasing prevalence of streaming services influencing game times.
The NFL has significantly expanded its primetime schedule, now including games on holidays and international matchups. This expansion means fewer games are played during the traditional Sunday afternoon slot, a shift Theismann believes alters the viewing experience drastically.
“We are now in an era where owners have the opportunity to generate substantial revenue from various platforms like YouTube, Amazon, and Peacock,” Theismann stated.
He reminisced about a time when Sundays were a focal point for NFL fans, offering a singular, anticipated viewing experience. Now, with games spread across the week, that exclusivity has diminished.
“Sundays were something you looked forward to, as you really didn’t have many other options. Now, you have games on Monday nights, Thursday nights, even Wednesday nights. Who knows, maybe Tuesday nights or Saturday evenings too. If you’re an NFL fan, you’ll find a way to watch the game,” Theismann commented.
The upcoming 2026 season opener is scheduled for a Wednesday, with a subsequent game to be played in Melbourne, Australia, on a Thursday. This follows the league’s introduction of a Thanksgiving Eve game this year, adding another Wednesday fixture.
Furthermore, the NFL will feature games on Fridays this year with its fourth annual Black Friday game. Christmas Day, which falls on a Friday this year, will also host three NFL games.
Once the college football regular season concludes in mid-December, Saturday games will also become a regular occurrence.
However, Theismann acknowledged that the NFL’s expanded schedule does offer fans easier access to watch more games, which he views positively.
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“It gives you the opportunity to find the game you want to watch. You no longer have to wait until the next day to read about it. So, in one sense, it has grown the NFL. On the other hand, yes, would we all prefer things to be a little more like they used to be? Perhaps. But as a progressive individual, I believe in progress. Life is changing, and you have to adapt and change with it,” Theismann explained.
Beyond his NFL commentary, Theismann also discussed his participation in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament. This year marks the 37th edition, and Theismann has competed in 36 of them.
He noted a change in his golf game, having transitioned from a 2-handicap to a nine, attributing it to a decrease in his driving distance. He expressed his desire to recapture some of his past form during the tournament, scheduled from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.
Theismann described the American Century Championship as a highly sought-after event for those involved in the celebrity sphere who have a passion for golf.
“The American Century Championship has become one of those events that, if you love golf at all and happen to be in the so-called celebrity world, it’s the one thing you truly want to participate in. You get to measure your game, and you get to pull back the curtain on so many wonderful people. You get to see those you watch on TV, as I am a fan of everything. But now you have the chance to see them up close and personal, meet them, and get to know them, and it’s exciting,” Theismann shared.
The 76-year-old athlete mentioned engaging in conversations with notable figures like Jerry Rice and Tony Romo, and even expressed being a “fanboy” of actor Miles Teller.
Theismann revealed that his all-time favorite movie is “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The tournament has a significant charitable impact, having raised over $8 million for various charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and actively encourages fundraising for Stowers during the event each year. Theismann specifically credited CEO Jonathan Thomas for the tournament’s commitment to charitable work.
The tournament’s broadcast will be available on NBC and Peacock.
