Major new rule change for the NFL this fall.
 

A low-impact kick-off which will increase the number of returns...and decrease the number of injuries. It's a big change...looks good to me.

This article describes how it will work...I'm not trying to explain it...too lengthy.:)

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl-approves-kickoff-rule-132039748.html

Soooo. now that I discovered the "new" 5 yr old fair catch rule ... they change EVERTHING :(. I read the rule .... it's stoooopid imo.... will last one year.

Just eliminate the kick-off and give them the ball on the 25 yd line ... naw KISS wuz just a band....

Now git off my astroturf ;)!

^^^ The part I am skeptical about is....the 20 or so players that are lined up facing each other have to remain still until the kicked ball is touched by the returner.

Every kick-off will be flagged for 'off-sides' penalties.:D

Yeah, why even have a kickoff?
Just let the coin flip determine which team gets the ball first and go from there.

It's an experimental first year....but it will most likely remain.
The kick-off will not be dumped...it's too much of a tradition.

hopefully the team in the super bowl is smart enough to make sure they know this one.

too soon?

Seems like the vast majority of kickoffs end up this way anyhow. Too easy for modern kickers to reach the endzone with every kick nowadays.

^^^ That's one of the two reasons they are doing this....too easy for a touchback.

The other reason is the amount of injuries when a player has enough room to get up to full speed before hitting the returner.

Overwhelming yes votes.....

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl-kickoff-rule-passed-29-135658699.html

I bet the kicker still kicks it into the end zone. That's a safe play. Ball goes to the 30 instead of the 20. The kicker will see to it that it doesn't go OOB or short. Might have some effect on an onsides kick which you don't see often.

Ho Hum.

You want to make football better? Make it more true to its roots in Rugby...no helmets or shoulder pads.

^^^ Zeke
They might...but I'm sure they looked at the results of the XFL which uses it.
The kickers are so good that it's almost a given that it's a touchback now.

I'm looking forward to it....should be an interesting change.

And no players. Today's players are faster and stronger....injuries would sky-rocket.

Another reason not to watch.

They've done this in the XFL for 2 seasons, I've watched it in person and it actually makes for a far more exciting kick. But hey, you old white guys just whine about change in the NFL again, that's OK :)

Nekkid cheerleaders would be popular too ... while they carted players off the field :D

Twon't be long before you can whine too :D!

They also unanimously passed a new rule to penalize any player that uses a hip-drop tackle.
More penalty flags.:)

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/proposal-to-penalize-hip-drop-tackles-approved-by-nfl-owners



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I saw that yesterday too. Been a football fan my whole life .... have no clue what a hip-drop tackle is ... I'm sure I'll find out!

Line of gain :D