Sixteen games is still the shortest pro season around. I hate losing players in the preseason, but this is the way the league has evolved its schedule, and it's the way the players and coaches have gotten used to preparing. I think four games is fine, five if you're picked for the HOF game. Remember, years when we didn't have five games, we always scrimaged someone like the Steelers, home and away. 5 weeks of preparation makes for good, exciting opening day football, not like thoe early season NBA or NHL games. And does anyone even watch baseball before the all-star break (or after it)?
People blow out their knees in practice as well. Should we stop practicing before the season?
As for the money stuff, the NFL will make every dollar it can. Nothing new there.
