NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell (right), shares the fans displeasure with the NFL pre-season. During interviews in the past week, with ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike, and WFAN’s Francessa on the Fan, the Commish has spoken about possible changes to the NFL Schedule, possibly as soon as the 2011 season. In the interviews, the Commissioner spoke about the quality of pre-season play. Apparently, the Commissioner, like the rest of us, has no little interest in watching practice squad players for any length of time.

Currently, the NFL pre-season showcases 4 mostly meaningless games with stars and starters playing less than one full combined in many cases. This season alone, neither Tom Brady or Peyton Manning took a pre-season snap. LT, mia, Reggie Bush, 16 attempts. Jeez, he might have that in the first half on Sunday.

So, after angry season ticketholders, complained on end about ebing charged regular season prices for pee wee league performances, the man in charge of the country’s most powerful league has deemed it time for a change. Realizing the popularity, if not the power, of his sport, (enough that rumors circulated that Sen. McCain would wait until the game ended before taking the stage for his Nomination speech) Goodell decided that a change would do his league good. (David Stern, take note, change could be good).

In the radio interviews, Goodell, discussed the possibility of a shorter pre-season. The most speculated changes being a 2 game pre-season with the regular season starting two weeks later so that Super Bowl Sunday would be over the President’s holiday. This would be great for everyone. Baseball would remain center stage through the middle of September, the NFL would be in form before the NBA or NHL seasons began, the NFL playoffs would not interfere with the college bowls, and February long devoid of any sport interest, would showcase the Super Bowl the week before pitchers and catcher report. Further with an 18 game regualr season there would be further separation amongst the better teams and fans would have additional opportunities to see out of division teams.

While it all seems rosy, there are numerous hurdles to clear. Obviously, the players association and the owners would need to approve,which could further complicate the upcoming labor negotiations. Stadium schedules would need to be re-worked for those sites that host numerous events and tv deals would be re-negotiated for the additional games.

Mr. Commissioner, this is a great idea that is long overdue. Best of luck to you. The fans deserve this.