NFL clubs table TNF flex proposal; Mara, Mahomes among critics

PHOENIX — While NFL teams opted not to vote on a rule that would allow games to be flexed into a Thursday night kickoff, clubs agreed Tuesday to modify the existing rule and allow teams to play a maximum of two short-week games.

That means that while some teams could play two Thursday night games, others would not have any. Back-to-back Thursday night games, such as a Thanksgiving game followed by a Thursday night game the next week, would only count as one short-week game, so some teams could wind up playing three Thursday night games.

«We're interested in making sure that we get exposure for all of our clubs,» said Brian Rolapp, NFL executive vice president and chief media and business officer.

«We also believe that these national windows are for clubs that are playing well. We want to put the best teams in the best windows.»

The tabled proposal and subsequent modification on the final day of the league's annual meetings in Phoenix was met with tepid reactions from some NFL team owners, while others were adamantly opposed, including New York Giants owner John Mara.

Mara, who called the idea «abusive,» said the vote was close and he is concerned it will come up again at the spring league meetings and eventually pass.

«At some point, can we please give some consideration to the people who are coming to our games?» Mara said. «People make plans to go to these games weeks and months in advance. And 15 days ahead of time to say, 'Sorry, folks, that game you were planning on taking your kids to Sunday at 1:00, now it's on Thursday night?' What are we thinking about?»

Mara also said he was frustrated that the idea was presented to the owners at the league meetings this week with no advance warning.

«This should have been