Both the XFL and USFL are reportedly set to do away with one of the most hated rules in football.
According to a report from Football Zebras, the aforementioned leagues have revisited their rules and are getting rid of the provision that allows a team to automatically secure possession on a forward fumble out of the end zone by an opposing team.
The report adds, “if the ball is touched by any player who is also touching the end line, the ball will return to the fumbling team.”
The controversial rule remains steadfast in the NFL. However, circumstances in which it’s reared its head are few and far between, though it has come up at some crucial points, much to fans’ chagrin.
One such instance saw the Chicago Browns get a touchdown ruled out against the Kansas City Chiefs during a 2020 divisional playoff fixture, with wide receiver Rashard Higgins fumbling a ball forward out of the end zone.
Fans of the XFL and USFL will have one less thing to worry about heading into the leagues’ respective campaigns. The XFL is set to return on February 18 following Dwayne Johnson’s takeover while The USFL kicks off on April 15.
