The NFL has made it clear that it is looking to change the kickoff procedure ahead of the 2024 NFL season to make the play safer and encourage more returns. But one aspect of the potential changes has fans pretty angry.
According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the league is considering some changes to the kickoff format that would eliminate the possibility of a surprise onside kick in the game.
“No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources. Language still being finalized and owners must approve,” Pelissero said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources.
Language still being finalized and owners must approve. pic.twitter.com/HYJKv3EZtP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2024
Obviously, this would be a pretty significant rule change, but it quickly became clear that fans were not at all happy about the proposal as it got absolutely blasted on social media.
Can’t stress enough how lame this is. https://t.co/C7moNyME6i
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) March 3, 2024
It is actually amazing how stupid everybody in charge of stuff is. https://t.co/ZlkPfKpZL7
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) March 3, 2024
This is dumb. https://t.co/xLT6ePNJhe
— Brendan Stiles (@thebstiles) March 3, 2024
Dumbest rule change ever… “yeah we’re going to tell the other team before hand our plans” https://t.co/2DQ0yF9M5F
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) March 3, 2024
Stop ruining football… https://t.co/SAozzVJYGr
— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) March 3, 2024
What.. are we doing?? https://t.co/yZcZi8FY08
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 3, 2024
During Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints used a surprise onside kick to help defeat the Indianapolis Colts. But under the proposed rule changes, that would not be impossible.
