The 2021 NFL Schedule not set to be released until Mid-May

The National Football League can make an event out of anything. I feel as if Roger Goodell wanted to do a “Day in the Life” video, the NFL Network would run a 24 hour special to try to maximize their viewership.

I don’t blame them, you have to get what you can in today’s sports landscape.

One of the events which always seemed to gain more and more attention throughout the years was the annual release of the schedule. What used to just be posted in the newspaper one day and fans made notes on their calendars has turned into a huge event for the league.

The schedule would usually be released in early spring, last year it was released on May 7th, but this year it looks as if it might not be until closer to summer, later than usual.

This per ProFootballTalk:

Via Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, the NFL says that it currently is targeting the second week of May for the 2021 schedule release. As Fischer notes, that would make it the latest schedule release in league history.

The delay traces to the creation of a 17-game season — and uncertainties regarding attendance in the second year post-pandemic.

Fans might look at the second week of May and think this isn’t that different from last year, but fans should also remember the schedule was released later than usual in 2020 due to concerns and questions over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course, the pandemic continues throughout the world, but the NFL already got through one season and knows what it would take to do it again. The biggest question will be the aforementioned 17th game. Will it happen? Who will teams play? Where will they play?

A lot of questions which still need resolved before the schedule is finalized, but it seems as if the league is taking its time with the schedule before it becomes finalized.

In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.