The NFL is trying once again to reduce concussions within its current kickoff structure. For 2023 only, owners approved a rule that incentivizes kick returners to call for a fair catch rather than bring back the ball in certain situations.
Joseph Salvador of Sports Illustrated reported that any fair catch made below the 25-yard line will result in the ball being placed at the 25-yard line, which is similar to a touchback. If you are familiar with college football, this rule will not be new to you, as it has been used in college games since 2018 and will now see its way into the NFL game.
It was earlier this year when NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay stated that kickoffs remain one of the most dangerous plays in the league for players due to all players running at full speed at each other.
“The kickoff play for us has been a play that has had a lot of changes for us over the years, all really driven by health and safety,” McKay said, via SI.com. “The concussion rate on the play has gone up. It’s gone up because the ball is being returned more by kicks that are being hung inside the 5-yard line. College made this rule change in maybe 2018 or 2019. We looked at their data and said, you know what, this is the right thing to do now.”
A player can call for and take a fair catch at the 1-yard line and advance the ball all the way out to the 25-yard line, giving them an automatic 24 yards without having to put himself or others in danger. It would also cut down on big hits that sometimes lead to fumbles and changes of possessions.
The counter to this is that it also removes the chance of breaking a big return or even finding the end zone on that play if exercised.
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As a result of the new change, a play considered by many to be one of the most entertaining on the field is heading toward being all but extinct.
It should be noted that the NFL’s new rule related to fair catches on kickoffs had little to no impact on play during the preseason.
Decision-makers will look to see just how much this change impacts the game.
