Guardian Caps, Thursday Night Football Among Major NFL Rules Changes

NFL owners approved some major changes for the 2023 season this week.

During the NFL Owners Meetings in Phoenix this week, several new rule changes were proposed that could have major effects on the game. 

One potential rule change, proposed by the Rams, was for roughing the passer to be a reviewable call, which was voted down. 

Meanwhile, several rule changes did pass and will be enacted for the 2023 NFL season.

The number “0” is now eligible to be used on jerseys, a change proposed by the Philadelphia Eagles. You won’t see it on linemen on either side of the ball but all other players can adorn the number.

Many NFL players are excited about the new number. Jacksonville Jaguars star wideout Calvin Ridley has already announced he will be sporting the new number. New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones changed his Twitter name to “0” and dubbed himself an “Agent Zero” in his bio. 

Possibly the Los Angeles Rams equipment room could be fielding many calls from players trying to put in a claim for the new number.

Kickers and punters are also now allowed to use any jersey number between 0-49 and 90-99.

The Guardian Caps that were worn during NFL training camps last season will now be required for every preseason practice, regular season and postseason practice with contact. 

Lineman, linebackers, running backs and fullbacks are the players required to wear the caps.

The rule is changed from last season when players were only required to wear the caps until the second preseason game. 

The research is clear, showing that the impact of helmet-to-helmet hits is reduced by around 20 percent when two players are wearing the cap.

Proposed by the competition committee, the NFL has clarified the use of the helmet against an opponent by removing the “butt, ram, spear” language. 

New language expands the rule against using the helmet as a weapon, making it a penalty if a player uses "any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent's head or neck area."

A 15-yard penalty will continue to be called if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent. 

The league expects most of the penalties will be called on players in space. The rule also includes an exception for "incidental contact by the mask or the helmet in the course of a conventional tackle or block on an opponent."

There were also two other notable rule changes. 

The definition of a launch is now leaving one or both feet, and the penalty for tripping is increased to 15 yards from 10 yards and is a personal foul.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not a fan of the NFL's new Thursday Night Football rule change, which allows teams to play on Thursday twice per season. 

The reigning Super Bowl champions are the favorites to win the Super Bowl again and will likely be featured in many prime-time games.

Teams were previously limited to one appearance on Thursday Night Football, and It has been a hot topic due to the abbreviated recovery time for players between games.

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