15 Creative Ways to Improve Preseason Football

Chris TrapassoJun 7, 2018

The NFL Lockout is apparently nearing its end (Thank that man upstairs), and we fans can finally get legitimately get pumped for the 2011 season.

Free agency will be as chaotic as ever, then teams will begin training camps to get caught up on everything they've missed, and before we know it the dull preseason will be upon us.

I have never been a huge fan of the preseason as a whole, but seeing my favorite team on the field again does stir up some excitement.

As we enter a new CBA and get this season kicked off, the NFL will be looking to start fresh as a more marketable, appealing and thrilling league than ever before.

They can start with these creative adjustments to the preseason...

15. Play Only Two Games

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This may be out of the question until the NFL goes to a 18 game regular season schedule (if that ever happens), but this is a pretty obvious change.

By playing only two games, it will limit injuries and force the starters on the field for longer stretches of the game.

14. Set Minimal Time Starters Can Play

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If the NFL does like the four-game preseason, it is rather difficult to keep the excitement level high.

The third game is usually the only contest you get to see your team's starters for any substantial amount of time, and the rest of the time it's for a series or two.

If the NFL really wanted to take a bold step, they could enforce a rule to make team's play their starters for a certain amount of time each game (maybe progress each week).

I doubt this ever happens due to the increase risk of injury, but it would certainly make these exhibition games more appealing.

13. Set a Rule to Make First-Round Picks Play

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This is somewhat of a stretch, but that's who I'm looking for every year, the first-round pick.

The coaches already insert their top draft picks to evaluate them, but usually their playing time is very limited.

Set a rule that first-round picks have to play something like 10-15 plays a game (depending on position) to give the fans what they want to see.

12. Play Games Against Rivals

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Coaches and players wouldn't be fond of this, as they usually like to hide certain aspects of their gameplans for their rivals, but it would at least add a little to the excitement.

Patriots-Colts. Steelers-Ravens. Cowboys-Eagles.

Can't really go wrong with those matchups, right?

11. Give Us Something at Halftime

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Sure, the local high school band is nice, but if the NFL could add big-name bands and singers to some of the preseason game's halftime shows, it would definitely add to the number of fans in the seats and people watching on TV.

Think a concert inside the game.

10. Set Rule for Extended Autograph Time Before and After Game

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Many NFLers already get mauled by their beloved fans for their John Hancock, but if you promise the fans more time before and after the game with more of their favorite players,it would definitely add to the appeal of attending a game.

9. Have Individual Contests

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This may be a bit too far outside the box, but if at some point of the evening the players competed in a few team competitions, I'd be more apt to tune in.

DeSean Jackson vs. Jeremy Maclin in the Eagles' fastest man contest.

Steven Gostowski vs. Mason Crosby in a FG distance battle.

Chad Johnson vs. the rest of the NFL in a touchdown celebration showdown?

Worth a shot, right?

8. Give Us Helmet Cam

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I've always thought this would be cool.

They've experimented with in the MLB with catchers, so why not put a small camera in the helmet of, say, Chris Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald?

After a play is done, show the replay on the Jumbo-Tron and to the viewers at home for a unique perspective.

7. More Giveaways to Fans Who Attend

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I know many NFL organizations already do this, but is a pen with Reggie Wayne and his No. 87 on it really enticing a father and his son to get in the stadium first?

I'm not saying teams should be giving out iPads, but maybe some practice-worn uniforms that are going in the trash anyway or some quality apparel would be nice.

6. Make Games Themed

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This idea could go in many directions.

Maybe you have an old-timers night where you recommend fans wear throwback uniforms and give them opportunities to speak over the PA system about their more cherished moment in the stadium.

Or if your team is near a few colleges that are ready to go back for the Fall semester, have a college night.

The school with the most students in attendance get free T-shirts, hats and time on the field after the game.

Maybe a family night when the game gets over before 10 o'clock?

5. Use Twitter for Instant Fan Reaction

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The NFL and social media have become intertwined in the past few years, so the league should use it to their advantage.

Allow the players to tweet during the game, show their tweets and a huge Twitter feed on the Jumbo-Tron and TV.

Pretty easy.

4. Create Event for Season Ticket Holders Before the Game

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This could entice people to buy season tickets, but if teams had open stadium events before the game, we would all be more willing to go.

Give them a tour of the locker rooms, a chance for some pictures and autograph with the marquee names and a look at the practice facilities.

Interactive games for the kids.

Something along those lines.

Many organizations do this on draft day, but why not again on the eve of the regular season?

3. Mic-Up Players

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This is similar to the helmet cam idea, but one of the cooler features of the show "Hard Knocks" on HBO is getting the opportunity to hear what the players talk about on the field and on the sidelines.

Use the sideline aspect for the preseason.

I'm sure we'd hear some pretty interesting stuff from guys like Darnell Dockett and Terrell Owens.