New kickoff rules have been implemented for the upcoming NFL season. While the league anticipated much opposition, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is at the forefront of his disagreement.
“My thing is, where does it stop, right?” Reid told the media on Wednesday. “We’ll see how this goes. You don’t want to take too many pieces away and you’ll be playing flag football.”
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on the new fair catch rule for kickoffs: "My thing is, where does it stop, right? … You don't want to take too many pieces away and you'll be playing flag football."
(📽️ @Chiefs)pic.twitter.com/z917RAgIO3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 24, 2023
The new rule, which was approved and announced on Tuesday had the ball being put in play at the receiving team’s 25-yard line if there is a fair catch on a free kick behind the receiving team’s 25-yard line.
Kickoff rule approved. So Roger Goodell was able to get the votes needed despite aggressive pushback from special teams coaches and players. pic.twitter.com/fbCDGwsgB0
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2023
The rule did add a note, submitted by the Competition Committee, stating, “A receiver may make or be awarded a fair catch in his end zone. If there is a fair-catch interference or illegal contact with the receiver after he has made a fair catch.”
The goal behind the new rule was rather simple — to hopefully improve player safety and drop concussion rates. It’s also only implemented for the 2023 season.
The kickoff part of the game has changed over the years in the league with the percentages of returns dropping after the touchback rule was altered.
There was “aggressive pushback” from special teams according to MMBQ’s Albert Breer, citing sources.
Reid isn’t alone in his concerns.
