NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has unveiled an ambitious vision: the 2025 season could feature a record-eight eight international matches, with potential host cities including Mexico City, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Dublin and Munich. Goodell’s bold push aims to extend the NFL‘s reach around the world, bringing American football to an enthusiastic new audience. But not everyone is thrilled, especially some of the league’s best players. Tight end Travis Kelce expressed serious doubts about the strain these plans place on players and hinted at his growing frustration with Goodell’s aggressive international expansion. Could these changes push Kelce to consider leaving the league?
Travis Kelce can’t resist joining in the celebration and becomes jealous of his teammates
Goodell’s vision
Goodell recently detailed his global expansion strategy, stating: “We will definitely go to Spain, this is confirmed. We plan to return to Mexico City, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Ireland is a strong possibility.”and we will definitely return to Germany. If that amounts to eight games, that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Goodell’s goal is clear: to bring the NFL from coast to coast and across the Atlantic. However, the strain of constant travel, limited rest and the health toll of jet-setting has led some players to wonder whether the league’s ambitious growth agenda might be too much.
The Kelce brothers speak
In their podcast, New heightsbrothers Travis and Jason Kelce shared their concerns about the grueling travel and logistics involved in these global plans. “Isn’t that too much?” Travis asked sharply. “Do they want to send us to the moon next time?” His half-joking comment speaks to the growing frustration with the physical toll these international games take.
Jason expressed similar concerns, joking that he supports international games, as long as his team, the Philadelphia Eagles, mostly stays at home. “I’m all in for international games, as long as the majority of the Eagles games are still in Philadelphia,” he commented.
Travis also suggested that if the NFL insists on extending international borders, it should look at destinations that make sense, like Australia. But despite his humor, Kelce’s repeated remarks suggest he is tired of these big changes. Insiders speculate that if Goodell’s plans continue to grow, it could lead to players like Kelce seriously reconsidering their future in the league.
A growing tension
While international games bring undeniable excitement, players face a high price. Multiple international matches mean even more grueling travel, limited recovery and a busy schedule that can erode both mental and physical stamina. According to some sources, the costs of these changes are starting to outweigh the emotion for players. With Kelce’s comments hinting at his frustration, fans are wondering whether Goodell’s international outlook could push some of the NFL’s biggest names, like Travis Kelce, to question their long-term commitment to the sport.
In a previous episode of New Heights, Travis said he would also be open to playing for a London-based team if the NFL pursued permanent franchises overseas. But with growing fatigue from international travel, it’s unclear whether he and others will remain open to such drastic changes-or whether the global view of the NFL will ultimately push players like Kelce to consider walking away sooner rather than later.
