The NFL and the players reach a legal settlement for brain injuries suffered by players.?

Don't hold your breath on that ever happening. If you reduce the number of games, you reduce the amount of revenues generated through game attendance. Plus they have to contend with the networks who shell out billions in broadcast rights for the games. Fewer games for them means fewer chances to sell advertising to recoup the money they are paying the NFL.

Plus you also have to take into consideration the local economic impact of playing few games as well. Fewer games mean less work for concession workers, security detail, groundskeepers, merchandise sellers, etc. On top of that, the local hospitality industries would suffer as well. Fewer games mean fewer hotel rooms getting booked and less businesses for the surrounding entertainment industries surrounding the stadiums.

Not to play devil's advocate, but these players know or ought to know what they are signing up when they play a violent game like professional football. They know that they are one good hit away from permanent injury or worse. They also know that by taking repeated violent hits, they risk physical disability and future health problems later in life. It is also been proven that professional football players on average have a shorter life span than the average person.

There's no way the NFL goes back to a 12 game season, the Owners would lose too much money that way