President Donald Trump of the United States has criticized the new NFL kickoff rules. He wasted no time in expressing his complete disapproval of the new NFL kickoff rules. Everyone in the US is taken aback by the president’s sudden emphasis.
New NFL kickoff rules: Hybrid or Dynamic rules
Because of the high-speed collision, kickoff is without a doubt the most hazardous manoeuvre in football. The new regulations have been introduced for the players’ protection, but because there have been so many touchbacks, the play is getting monotonous.
The National Football League is hoping that the new hybrid kickoff rule will bring the excitement back without putting players in danger. Here are the new NFL hybrid kickoff rules:
- The kicker will kick off from the 35-yard line.
- The football must be kicked off using a tee except on a declared onside kick.
- The other 10 members of the kickoff team will line up at the returning team’s 40-yard line.
- At least nine members of the receiving team will line up five yards away at the 35-yard line.
- Up to two returners will line up in the “landing zone” (between the 20-yard line and the goal line).
- Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or the returner within the landing zone.
- The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line if it lands in the end zone.
- Any kick that hits the landing zone must be returned.
- If the ball lands inside the 20-yard line and rolls into the end zone, it must be returned or downed (which results in the ball being placed at the 20-yard line).
- If a kick fails to reach the landing zone or goes out of bounds, the receiving team takes possession at its 40-yard line.
- No fair catches are allowed.
- Teams can elect to tack on penalty yardage for certain fouls to the end of the play, rather than re-kicking.
Controversy over the New NFL kickoff rules
These regulations were implemented by the National Football League to ensure the players’ safety. Due to the high-speed collision between the players, kickoffs have historically been one of the riskiest plays in football. By increasing touchbacks and player safety, the rule intended to reduce risks to football players.
The league’s efforts appear to be rather successful in the beginning. Over 70% of kickoff returns were made, which kept the excitement level high. But as the season went on, the number abruptly changed. By the middle of the season, 80% of kickoffs ended in touchbacks. Only three touchdown returns happened over the whole season, and the exciting returns decreased.
Donald Trump aim the NFL
The rule was deemed “ridiculous” by Trump. Even if there are fewer kickoff returns, the game is no longer thrilling. After watching a game, he vented his fury by saying, “What the hell happened? they just kicked off and nobody moved,” he added. Trump is really dissatisfied with the new NFL kickoff rules.
