NFL coaches and players criticize new fair-catch rule in ‘Flag Football’.

NFL Coaches and Players Slam New Kickoff Fair-Catch Rule

Coaches and players in the NFL are speaking out against the new kickoff fair-catch rule that league owners recently voted to pass. The rule puts the ball on the receiving team’s 25-yard line if there is a fair catch on a free kick anywhere between the 25-yard line and the goal line. The move is an attempt to reduce injuries, but some in the NFL argue that it will do the opposite.

The NFL just passed a rule (for one season) that if a fair catch is made on a kickoff anywhere between the 25-yard line and the goal line, the ensuing drive will start at the 25. The reason for change? Player safety. pic.twitter.com/JTIgkc7ptO

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 23, 2023

Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid and Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh are among the coaches who have spoken out against the rule, with Reid arguing that it’s going to turn the game into “flag football.” Harbaugh, a former special teams coach, said that the rule will create more high-speed head trauma than not having it in there.

Lions coach Dan Campbell called the rule “highly frustrating” and expressed concern that it will continue to take away from the game. Meanwhile, Super Bowl-winning champion Chiefs player Travis Kelce called the rule “absolutely stupid” and said that it’s making the game more boring.

Player Reactions

• Travis Kelce: “I don’t think this is making the game safer. I think it’s making it more boring. And taking a lot of excitement out of the game’s opening play. This is wack.”
• Jason Kelce: “We’re just getting closer and closer to getting rid of special teams. … We’re just going to have guys, ‘Hey, I’m going to run 80 yards for no reason and then we’re going to start the drive!’”
• Keisean Nixon: “Lol what is a fair catch?”

It remains to be seen how the new rule will impact the game, but it’s clear that many in the NFL are not happy about it.

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