NFL coaches, players push back on proposed new touchback rule
The NFL is getting some pushback from players and coaches across the league regarding a potential rule change. It appeared that a fair catch rule on kickoffs could be coming in the near future. However, one report indicates that it’s getting met with plenty of resistance.
The NFL looked to implement a touchback rule, in which returners could signal for a fair catch inside the 25-yard line on kickoffs. If the ball was caught, teams would then start their possession at the 25-yard line.
Initially, that rule was expected to be passed at the NFL’s spring meeting. However, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer reported that there’s plenty of opposition to the proposed plan.
“Special teams coaches and players have mounted an aggressive push to get it shot down,” Breer wrote. “Coaches and players think the rule change will create more, not fewer, injuries. And they question the owners’ true intentions, too.”
The league wanted to pass the new rule in response to an increase in concussions on kickoffs over the last three seasons. Per Sports Illustrated, the NFL saw a jump from 10 concussions on kickoffs in 2020 to 14 in 2021. Last year, there were 19.
SI’s report indicates that there were more than 2,700 kickoffs last year, meaning that concussions were avoided on 99.3% of those. Additionally, 11 of the 19 concussions suffered last year occurred when the return man ran the ball out of the end zone.
Coaches and players against the new rule suggest the change wouldn’t have resulted in a different outcome in those situations.
The competition committee approved the proposal during the owners’ meetings in March. It sounds like there’s going to be a little more resistance this time around.
Roger Goodell attempts to explain rise in concussions
Following the 2022 season, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was tasked with answering a difficult question: Why has the league seen an increase in concussions despite taking more measures to prevent the injury?
Goodell’s response didn’t simply discuss kickoff returns. Instead, he tried to explain why the league saw an uptick.
“I think that’s a reason why concussions went up this year, because we had a broader definition. If you have more evaluations you’re going to have more concussions. Any time we can change the protocols to make it safer for our players, we’re going to do that,” Goodell said.
“You want to take the head out of the game. You’re always going to have contacts that are not intended, so that’s why we have protections, but ultimately you want to have rules that are avoiding the techniques that lead to these kinds of injuries.”