NFL consider huge rule change after Donald Trump criticism and fans demand ‘it needs to go’ after controversy
THE NFL is already considering changes to the dynamic kickoff rule after criticism – including from Donald Trump.
Commissioner Roger Goodell this week said that the league is set to make some alterations to the controversial new rule.
The NFL is considering changes to the dynamic kickoff rule after just four weeksGetty
AFPDonald Trump was critical of the kickoff rules when he attended a college football game at the weekend[/caption]
The dynamic kickoffs were brought in this year in an effort to improve player safety as well as see more kick returns.
But the second part hasn’t worked out with touch backs remaining consistent with the old kickoff rules.
Goodell appeared on Good Morning Football on NFL Network and said changes were already being lined up after just four weeks.
“I think we’ll have to make a few changes on the kickoff,” he revealed.
“I think that will lead to a lot more kickoff returns.”
Goodell also added that a competition committee was due to meet soon to discuss some changes.
One potential solution could be to move touchbacks by five yards – adding extra incentive for returning the ball.
Touchbacks currently see teams start at the 30-yard line.
Goodell’s message came days after former President Trump criticized the rule.
Trump attended a college football showdown between Alabama and Georgia in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“Big time college football is as big as the NFL,” he declared.
“I don’t know what they’re doing with the kickoff return in the NFL.
“And I don’t want to get involved in controversy, of course, but it looks so bad.
“And I noticed that they hadn’t done that in college, and they shouldn’t do it.
What is the Hybrid Kickoff rule?
The NFL is seeking to revitalize kickoffs by increasing returns and reducing injuries.
The league is considering adopting a kickoff style similar to one used in the XFL, among sweeping changes.
If adopted, the rules would be implemented on a year-long trial.
The proposal features new alignments for the both the kicking and receiving units.
The receiving team is limited to playing a maximum of two returners in the “landing zone,” the area between the team’s goal line and the 20-yard line.
All kickoffs in the landing zone must be returned by receivers.
Kicks that miss the landing zone will result in the ball being played at the 20-, 30- or 40-yard line.
The rule is designed to incentivize kickers to kick a returnable ball.
“And I think the NFL should go back.
“And maybe it is a little bit more dangerous, but I doubt that it’s any more dangerous. It’s football.”
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