Safety Concerns Prompt Rule Changes

  Over the past couple of days, the NFL Competition Committee has proposed a number of rule changes, some will be good for the game and some will not. It all depends who you are.

  One of the most notable proposals will change the rules of kickoff returns. The proposal will have teams kick off from the 35 yard line instead of the 30 and touchbacks will be moved to the 25 yard line instead of the 20. Also, the kickoff coverage team will only have a 5 yard running start and no more wedges. Although I think this rule change would take some excitement away from the game, it is definitely something that will benefit the safety of the players. Co-chairmen of the NFL Competition Committee Rich McKay explains:

"This is a rule 100 percent based on player safety. We've seen higher rates of injuries than we are comfortable with and we're trying to remedy it."

  But, there have already been players and coaches who have voiced their displeasure with this possible change. Devin Hester from the Chicago Bears has made it known that he does not want this rule to change. Hester is a kick returner for the Bears and it is no surprise that he does not want this to change. Hester has made his living on kick returns and the rule change would reduce his role with his team and with the NFL.

   It is obvious that the rule change would take away the advantage of some teams who are particularly good at returning kicks, but the competition committee claims there will not be a significant drop of in kickoff returns. Co-chairmen of the NFL Competition Committee Rich McKay, claims that research shows that there should only be about a 20% drop in kickoffs returned, if the rule is put into effect.  

  As a fan, I would like the NFL to keep the rules the way they are, but I understand the concern for the player’s safety. The speed at which players are moving during a kickoff probably makes it the most dangerous play in football. Ultimately, the NFL and the owners are trying their best to protect their players and I commend them for that.

  Yes the rule will change the game a bit, but there are too many great things about this game that will still live on and eventually people will adapt to the game, no matter how it is played. NFL Football is the greatest game on earth and it would take a lot changes for me not to watch. I think that the safety of the players is the most important issues in football and whatever they can do to protect the players should at least be considered.