Kelce Brothers weigh in on new NFL kickoff rule
The new NFL kickoff rule implemented has many heads turning, especially brothers Travis and Jason Kelce. The rule is that the returner no longer has to be in the endzone and could fair catch anywhere inside the 25-yard line to bring the ball to the 25-yard line automatically.
Passed during the 2023 Spring Meeting, the new rule was implemented to reduce injuries, especially concussions, which increased 18 percent relative to 2021.
Coaches and players around the NFL have said nothing positive about the new rule. Some say that it is ruining the game of football. On the “New Heights” podcast, both Kelce brothers showed frustration about the rule Thursday.
“I think this is absolutely stupid,” Travis Kelce said. “I don’t think this is making the game safe, I think it’s making it more boring and taking a lot of excitement out of the game’s opening play. This is whack.”
“What are we doing it for, then? Are we just gonna have guys, ‘Hey, I’m gonna run 80 yards for no reason and then we’re gonna start the drive!” Jason Kelce said. “We’re just gonna do everything for show. ‘Here’s the ceremonial kickoff that’s not gonna get returned ever.’”
The Kelce brothers weren’t the first to voice their opinion. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and especially Ravens head coach John Harbaugh opposed the change.
“We weren’t for it, we voted against it,” Harbaugh said. “We think it’s going to create more high-speed head trauma than not having it in there.”
Although it is a rule change that may take some time to get used to, the NFL has made significant adjustments in years past that have sat well after seeing the result, like the targeting rule with the crown of the helmet.
The NFL rules committee is continuing to make changes to make the game fair and safe for their players since it is one of the most dangerous sports. As NFL coaches and players aren’t big supporters of this rule, they should review collegiate games for safety as they implemented this kickoff rule change in 2018.
From another perspective of positive rule changes in sports, MLB added the pitch clock. Everyone hated it at first, but it turns out that it might be a positive thing? All of these sports associations make new rules to improve the game rather than destroy it, with the exception of the Tuck Rule in 2001.
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