It’s been a long time since the New York Jets last played in a Super Bowl. Considering the way things are trending with the current regime, fans will probably have to wait at least a couple more years for another chance.

Until then, Jets fans have to sit and watch Super Bowl media week in frustration as a hated division rival prepares to compete for the Lombardi Trophy against a former franchise quarterback.

The lead-up to the Super Bowl is shrouded in glamor, but there are also important nuggets to be heard from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. In one of his rare media availabilities, Goodell answered a bevy of questions about the league’s future.

Many of his answers have a direct impact on the Jets’ future.

Goodell’s Super Bowl availability

Goodell confirmed nine international games next season, including in Paris. While the Jets won’t be playing in that game, as the hosts will be the New Orleans Saints (who are not on the Jets’ 2026 schedule), we’re getting closer to each team having to play at least one international game a year.

The commissioner stated that the league’s goal is to reach 16 international games per season, ensuring each team plays overseas once.

“I’ve said many times 16 games, so that every team is playing a regular season game every season,” Goodell said. “I think that’s an important mark for us to go for. I think we’re well on our way, with the desire we have from our side, but also the desire for people to have this in their communities, and some of the greatest cities in the world are asking to do this.”

Speaking of future plans, Goodell was far less committed to a potential 18-game season that would include two bye weeks and additions to each organization’s active roster.

“It is not a given that we’ll do that,” Goodell said. “It is not something that we assume will happen. It’s something we want to talk about with the union leadership.”

The commissioner said that the league will be in further talks with the players’ association about this initiative, something that Goodell himself has consistently pushed in recent years.

More changes are also coming on kickoffs. Goodell spoke out about the play, noting that the intention to limit injuries has been a success.

“So, all of those things, using the data to understand, and the video review to understand, what is it we can do to improve the safety, look at different techniques — are there things we can deal with in the context of rules?” he said. “We will do, and I expect that there will be changes in that this spring.”

Finally, the league is going to rely on AI to help its referees out with in-game decisions. Goodell seemed open to implementing a more thorough review process during contests.

“We need to be able to use to help our officials get it right,” he said. “They want to get it right. They’re incredibly dedicated professionals. We also need to give them that tool. I think AI is going to be a real opportunity there. We’re talking with our partners and talking with others about how we implement that to help our officials.”

Impact on Jets

AI help for refs, a possible 18-game schedule, and increased international games will all impact the Jets and their fans in the future.

An increase in international games could mean fewer potential home games for fans, unless it is offset by an 18-game schedule.

On the officiating side, Jets fans might get the fairness they have been longing for. Bringing in AI to assist referees should be celebrated league-wide. It’s a way to get the calls right, as Goodell said. Jets fans continue to push the notion that their team is unfairly officiated, so the league’s latest initiative could help level the playing field.

Finally, for an 18-game season, the league has been pushing this for a long time. It’s unclear whether the NFLPA will ever agree to it, and it may cause a short lockout in the next CBA.

If the 18-game schedule is eventually approved, it would mean fans will get to watch more Jets football than ever before (although, with the franchise’s current state, it’s unclear whether fans would actually want that).

Either way, Goodell’s comments were illuminating as always. He made it clear where the league is heading.