Are NFL Rule Changes Hurting the League?

The NFL is changing its rules and regulations causing backlash from fans all over the world. These new rules are not beneficial to players and make the game confusing from the fan's perspective. One of these new rules includes changing the kickoff. The NFL kickoff has been changing for many years but not as drastic as this. In the past rules changes, the league looked to limit returns in an effort to reduce injuries. They moved the kicking line back to the 35-yard line and also limited running starts by the kicking team. The NFL said, “The number of concussions on kickoffs dropped by 40 percent during the 2011 season, and the return rate fell from 80 to nearly 50 percent.” Now the league is changing the way the players line up entirely.

In the new kickoff, they added a landing zone which means if a kick lands between the receiving team's goal line and their 20-yard line they must return or down the kick. The receiving team will also have 7 players line up with 1 foot on the 35-yard line and 2 more can line up between the 30 and 35. The last 2 players line up in the landing zone to receive the kick. This makes it confusing for the spectators but it will soon become normal like all of the other major rule changes the NFL has made. 

This new kickoff is very similar to the XFL kickoff in 2020. The NFL posted a clip of the XFL kickoff in 2020 showing how their new kickoff looks in-game. This got major backlash from fans on social media who are upset that it changed. Many fans do not know that the NFL is trying to limit head injuries and they believe the new kickoff will help. Changing the game that has been played the same way for many years makes fans confused. This will either help the NFL become more entertaining or make the kickoff a joke. There is no way to tell until it is used in a real game and even then there is still going to be hate from fans.