NFL Upholds Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw’s Suspension Amid International Expansion Plans
The National Football League has upheld a one-game suspension for Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw following an incident of postgame misconduct. Greenlaw was penalized for verbally threatening referee Brad Allen after the Broncos' narrow 33-32 victory over the New York Giants. Despite appealing the decision, the suspension remains in effect, and Greenlaw will miss both practice sessions and the upcoming home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, he faces a forfeiture of $192,778 in game earnings. This incident occurred during Greenlaw's debut with the Broncos, a team he joined from the San Francisco 49ers, where he accumulated 455 tackles over six seasons. Notably, Greenlaw had recently returned from a torn Achilles sustained during the 2023 Super Bowl. In his absence, linebacker Justin Strnad is expected to assume the starting role.
In other league developments, the NFL is actively pursuing an expansion of its international presence for the 2026 season. Reports indicate that the league aims to host a maximum of nine international games, including a confirmed matchup in Australia and a return to Mexico City for the first time since 2022. Brazil is also set to host a game, marking the conclusion of a three-year series in Rio de Janeiro. The 2025 schedule already features games in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. While the inclusion of Ireland in 2026 remains uncertain, this expansion could pave the way for new markets. Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in hosting games but is not yet among the 21 nations with NFL marketing rights. According to a 2023 resolution, the NFL is permitted to hold up to eight league-organized international games annually, in addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars' regular London appearance. NFL executive Gerrit Meier has indicated that the league is striving to reach this maximum.
The NFL has also announced a significant change to its Pro Bowl festivities, moving the event to Super Bowl week starting in February. The Pro Bowl, which has transitioned into a flag football game in recent years, will now take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, aligning with the Super Bowl Experience fan fest. This strategic shift aims to create a more intimate, television-focused event, with the largest ballroom accommodating up to 4,000 attendees. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s goal of honoring players and expanding the game’s global reach. The event will maintain its flag football format between the AFC and NFC, but could become more internationally oriented leading into the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8, in Santa Clara. The Tuesday night schedule is set through 2026, with future adjustments possible.
In player news, veteran defensive end Brandon Graham has ended his retirement and rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal. At 37, Graham had initially planned for the 2024 season Super Bowl to mark the end of his 15-year NFL career. However, his desire to continue playing and a vacancy on the Eagles’ roster prompted his return, especially in light of pass rusher Za'Darius Smith's sudden retirement. The Eagles currently rank 26th in the NFL with only 11 sacks, and with injuries to key players like Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo , Graham’s comeback fills a critical gap. Graham, the longest-tenured player in Eagles history, emphasized that he would only return for the Eagles and began training intensely in September in preparation. He has 76.5 career sacks but only 6.5 over his past 28 games. He may play as soon as Week 8 against the New York Giants, though his availability will depend on his performance in practice starting Wednesday.
Additionally, the NFL has announced a significant change to its Pro Bowl festivities, moving the event to Super Bowl week starting in February. The Pro Bowl, which has transitioned into a flag football game in recent years, will now take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, aligning with the Super Bowl Experience fan fest. This strategic shift aims to create a more intimate, television-focused event, with the largest ballroom accommodating up to 4,000 attendees. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s goal of honoring players and expanding the game’s global reach. The event will maintain its flag football format between the AFC and NFC, but could become more internationally oriented leading into the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8, in Santa Clara. The Tuesday night schedule is set through 2026, with future adjustments possible.
These developments reflect the NFL's ongoing efforts to enhance the league's global presence and adapt to evolving fan engagement strategies. The league's initiatives, from player conduct enforcement to international game expansion and event restructuring, underscore its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
