What Year Did The NFL Have Replacement Players?

The NFL had replacement players in 1987 and again in 2001.

Introduction

In 1993, the NFL had a player’s strike. This was the first time in the history of professional football that games were canceled due to a labor dispute between the players and management. In an effort to continue the season, the NFL recruited replacement players. These replacement players were mostly made up of former college football players, Arena Football League players, and Canadian Football League players. The NFL had to use replacement players for three weeks until the player’s strike ended.

The NFL’s Use of Replacement Players

In 1992, the National Football League (NFL) had to use replacement players for three regular season games and one playoff game due to a player’s strike. This was the only time in the history of the NFL that replacement players were used. Let’s take a look at what led to the NFL’s use of replacement players and how it affected the games.

1982 NFL Season

In 1982, the NFL season was shortened from 16 games to 9 due to a player’s strike. Replacement players, referred to as “scabs” by the unionized players, were used during the 3-game strike. These replacement players were lower-tier players or those who had recently been cut from NFL rosters. Many of the scabs were college players who saw the opportunity to play in the NFL, even if it was just for a few games. The use of replacement players caused a lot of controversy and led to player protests. The NFL eventually capitulated and allowed the unionized players to return for the remainder of the season. This event led to increased benefits and protections for NFL players.

1987 NFL Season

In 1987, the National Football League (NFL) was faced with a players’ strike. The league had to decide whether to cancel the season or continue on with replacement players. They chose the latter and the season went on as scheduled.

The use of replacement players caused a lot of controversy. Some people felt that it was unfair to the strikers and that the quality of play suffered. Others thought that it was a good way to keep the season going.

Eventually, the strike ended and the players came back. However, the replacement players had made an impact on the league. Many of them went on to have successful careers in the NFL.

2001 NFL Season

The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League (NFL). In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the NFL’s first full week of games was postponed and rescheduled to the weekend of September 16–17. At the end of Week 2, games were once again postponed for one week until September 24. For the rest of the season, there were no bye weeks, and games were held on each of the remaining weekends (save for Thanksgiving).

Super Bowl XXXVI was played at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on February 3. The New England Patriots defeated the heavily favored St. Louis Rams 20–17 for their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Conclusion

The National Football League had replacement players in both the 1987 and 2001 seasons. In 1987, the league used replacement players for three games after a 24-day players’ strike. In 2001, the league used replacement players for all games during a labor dispute with the NFLPA that lasted 47 days and resulted in the cancellation of that season’s playoffs.