NFL World Reacts to Kickoff Rule Change: 'This Is a Joke'

NFL has adopted a new kickoff rule for the 2023 season.

The NFL world is reacting to a new rule impacting special teams play. 

At the behest of commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL passed a new rule that calls for all fair catches and touchbacks to come out to the 25-yard line, similar to the rules instituted at the collegiate level. 

While the rule is intended to aid in player safety, special teams coaches across the league were reportedly against this particular rule change. 

According to Sports Illustrated, "Coaches on the Monday call unanimously felt that the rules change would do little to reduce concussions and actually could lead to unintended consequences that would lead to more injuries on kickoffs, and the special teams players largely agreed with that assessment. And the group gathered data that’s been shared with the league to back it up."

The way teams could counteract the new rule could potentially increase physical hits and concussions, as opposed to limiting them. 

As Albert Breer explained, "Another concern would be coaches instructing players to kick the ball high to the 15 or 20 and forcing the returner to make a decision. In such a circumstance, the cover team would still have to cover the kick, and the return team would still have to block to protect the return, so most of the collisions would still be happening, only they’d be happening in a smaller space. That, on paper. could have a phone booth effect, making them more frequent and violent."

Here is a sample of the reaction online to the new rule instituted for the 2023 season. 

This is a joke. https://t.co/WmEKXUt31W

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2023

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

Trash. https://t.co/XkJswlvkEE

— Kirby (@brodietweets_) May 23, 2023

Just remove kickoffs entirely. Absolutely zero incentive to return anything now. https://t.co/93nm5tOVRc

— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) May 23, 2023