Relax, football fans. President Obama's jobs speech next Thursday will wrap up long before the NFL season opener begins.

The White House and congressional Republicans have agreed on a 7 p.m. address to a joint session of Congress. The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints don't play until 8:30 p.m.

"I can assure all you football fans that he will be completed before kick-off," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

Carney said Obama and aides are looking forward to speaking directly to Congress, and not rehashing the remarkable political flap that preceded the scheduling of the speech.

Obama initially asked to speak to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. Some Republicans objected, noting their presidential candidates have a debate that same night; House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, suggested the president move the speech to Thursday, citing logistical concerns.

After talks between the White House and Boehner's office, Obama opted for Thursday.