Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on May 20 that the NFL International Series travel schedule won’t slow his team down, likening the wear and tear to “a night out on the town.” The comment came during the league’s annual owners meeting and signals the franchise’s optimism about expanding overseas games for the 2026 season.
Jones, who is 83, emphasized that the grueling nature of football is far more demanding than any social outing, suggesting the league can safely add more fixtures abroad without hurting player performance.
What does the recent owners meeting reveal about the NFL International Series?
The meeting highlighted the league’s push to grow its global footprint, with several clubs slated for additional games in London and Mexico City. While some owners voiced concerns over travel fatigue, Jones dismissed those worries, arguing the schedule’s impact is minimal compared to the sport’s inherent physical toll.
Key details from Jerry Jones on overseas travel
Jones told Bleacher Report that “the wear and tear is a lot less than a night out on the town,” underscoring his belief that players can handle the added trips. He also noted that the Cowboys will not receive a bye week after an international game, a scheduling quirk shared by a handful of other teams.
Key Developments
- Jones made the remarks at the league’s owners meeting on May 20, 2026, directly addressing concerns about player fatigue.
- At 83, Jones stands to profit from expanded markets while avoiding the physical strain his players endure.
- The Cowboys are among three teams confirmed to forgo a bye week following an International Series trip this season.
- Jones compared the travel grind to a social night out, a metaphor that sparked debate among analysts about the realism of his assessment.
- The league plans to add two more International Series games in 2026, aiming to boost global TV revenue by an estimated 12%.
How might Jones’ stance affect the NFL’s future scheduling?
By downplaying travel strain, Jones encourages the league to schedule additional overseas contests, potentially reshaping the regular‑season calendar. If teams adopt a similar outlook, the NFL could see a shift toward more back‑to‑back international weeks, raising questions about competitive balance and player health. Critics argue that without a mandatory bye, teams traveling abroad could face a hidden disadvantage, but the Cowboys’ confidence suggests the league may prioritize market growth over traditional rest periods.
How many NFL International Series games are planned for 2026?
The NFL announced eight International Series matchups for the 2026 season, split evenly between London’s Wembley Stadium and Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, aiming to broaden the league’s global audience.
What financial benefits does the International Series bring to owners?
Owners like Jerry Jones stand to gain from increased merchandise sales, higher broadcast fees, and local sponsorships in host cities, collectively boosting franchise revenue by an estimated $30 million per additional game.
Do players experience more injuries after overseas trips?
Historical data shows a slight uptick in soft‑tissue injuries the week following an International Series game, but the overall injury rate remains comparable to domestic travel weeks, according to the NFL’s health reports.
