How Roger Goodell twisted NFL owners arms to change the kickoff rules

There has been plenty of pushback from players and coaches about the NFL choosing to change the kickoff rule.

Beginning this season, following touchbacks and fair catches, the ball will be placed at the 25-yard line, instead of the 20. The NFL believes the rule change will lead to more fair catches and in turn help with safety. However, a lot of people around the league are skeptical.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, NFL owners originally voted to not change the rule, before commissioner Roger Goodell twisted some arms and convinced them to make the move.

In order for a rule change to take place, at least 24 of the 32 teams must agree to the change.

Breer reports that on the initial vote back in March, only 50 percent of teams were in favor of changing the rule. He added that on the votes May 22 and 23, there were still 13 votes for no.

However, the next day at the spring meetings, the vote passed, with the final tally coming to 26-5-1. Somehow, in less than 24 hours, Goodell was able to convince several NFL owners to change their votes.

According to Breer, Goodell and the NFL threatened litigation in order to get the necessary votes. He added that he believes it is a serious issue that the NFL ignored players and coaches and changed a rule that many of them do not believe needed to be changed.

Patriots legend Matthew Slater has strong words for NFL after fair catch rule change

The NFL’s move to change the rules surrounding the fair catch has ruffled the feathers of many, including New England Patriots star Matthew Slater. Slater argues the rule change doesn’t actually protect players like the NFL claims it will – and limits players’ opportunities.

“I understand that we want to reduce head injuries and things of that nature. But we don’t always act as if player health and safety is paramount. . . . They say that they’re making the play safer. But the reality is, they haven’t done a single thing to make the play safer,” Slater said, via USAToday.

“They haven’t changed the rules, they haven’t changed the techniques. There’s still going to be collisions that occur if the ball is not fair caught.”

Slater, who’s made a career off of special teams, has particularly strong opinions on the rule change. He made an NFL-record 10 Pro Bowls by carving out his role as a special teams star.

Although successful kick return plays happen to be some of the most exciting in the sport, they also provide a significant opportunity for severe injury.

While lobbying for votes, NFL executive Jeff Miller reportedly said that there are more concussions on kickoffs and punts than on other plays. The return rate is expected to drop from 38 percent to 31 percent and the concussion rate should drop 15 percent, according to Tom Pelissero.

“We all know data can be skewed and projected in any way you want to slice it up,” Slater added. “It’s clear to me that they’re making an effort to eradicate this play.”