NFL Fans Crush the League Over the Baffling New Kickoff Rule

Special teams are dead; long live special teams.

The NFL’s adoption of fair catch rules on kickoffs similar to those used in the NCAA Tuesday morning inaugurated a new era in special teams. Now, any fair catch made before the return team’s 25-yard line on a kickoff will result in the ball being placed on the 25-yard line.

However, the rule has met with broad opposition, particularly with special teams coaches and players. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "special teams coordinators unanimously opposed the change," despite its ostensible implementation in the name of player safety.

Fans, too, mobilized on Twitter Tuesday to decry the rule change for a variety of reasons.

Some pointed to the excitement associated with kickoff returns.

Imagine my excitement when the season opens with a fair catch at the 8 yard line https://t.co/BLo2hFkWuy

— MrHurriicane (@mrhurriicane) May 23, 2023

Others pointed out that the rule change was inconsistent with past NFL rule changes related to the touchback.

The NFL's Monday announcement that it would introduce flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football games left many calling out the league's hypocrisy.

A few observers went as far as to declare kickoffs a thing of the past.

Fans also took a minute to remember great return men of the recent past.

ESPN analyst Damien Woody accurately summed up the general mood of the football world.