The National Football League made a significant rule change that will drastically affect special teamers. And to say that those in the NFL world were none too pleased would be an understatement.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the NFL owners approved a resolution that would put the ball on the 25-yard line following a fair catch on a kickoff, which is already done at the collegiate level. While this rule change was unanimously opposed by special teams coordinators around the league, the owners elected to approve this initiative on a one-year trial basis. And in doing so, cited player safety.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, both coaches and coordinator opposed this rule change, but Commissioner Roger Goodell refused to let this one go.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS @RapSheet..
"Special teams coaches & players all opposed this rule but Roger Goodell wouldn't let it go" ~ @RapSheet
COME ON ROG #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Z8Ume2xqbT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2023
NFL executive Jeff Miller cites higher concussion rates on kickoff and punts relative to other plays and according to Pelissero, he said, “There may be more to come,” in reference to rule changes. Miller says that the return rate will drop from 38% to 31% and the concussion rate will drop 15%.
“The kickoff play has the highest rate of concussion year after year,” Miller said, via Pelissero. “You can’t stand by and do nothing.”
Pat McAfee, a longtime former punter for the Indianapolis Colts and current host of The Pat McAfee Show, vehemently disagreed with this proposal. And McAfee has the largest platform out of any former NFL special teamer, so his voice and opinion, for that matter, hold some weight here.
McAfee and those in the NFL world reacted to the news of the rule change being approved on social media:
There will never be another Devin Hester or Dante Hall. That’s sad to me and should be to all NFL fans of the most exciting play in football. https://t.co/uTVwJirtyB
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 23, 2023
"Gather around grandkids and let me tell you about this beautiful thing they used to have in football called special teams." https://t.co/sayl97LJ65
— Melissa Jacobs 💙 (@thefootballgirl) May 23, 2023
not that I needed another reason to want Devin Hester in the Hall of Fame, but he was the best ever at something that they have legislated out of the sport. feels worthy of commemoration imo. https://t.co/npOS33h6lH
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) May 23, 2023
COME ON ROGER..
This rule is BUSH LEAGUE #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3oDLsAnCe9
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2023
"Special teams coordinators UNANIMOUSLY opposed the change."
Unanimously. https://t.co/bvrMX8OGXi
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) May 23, 2023
The crazy thing about this fair catch rule change is that it’s going to change the dynamic of the fringe players and their perceived value team to team.
You’ll see different 53 man roster decisions bc of this rule change alone. https://t.co/59tbGPsGcF
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) May 23, 2023
They REALLY don’t want kickoff returns anymore, huh? That pooch kickoff inside the five was becoming a skill being cultivated by kickers. https://t.co/4kdkZSDJRd
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) May 23, 2023
No more kick returns essentially https://t.co/5RqtSKd3zm
— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) May 23, 2023
