NFL May Be Contemplating Major Rule Change That Could Alter the Game Dramatically

Denver Broncos kick off to the San Diego Chargers in an NFL football game in Denver in 2011. (Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey, File)
Could American football games someday never have the crescendoing ”ooooooaaaahhhh” from the fans of the home team as the kicker of the rival runs toward the pigskin in a kickoff play? They might not if the idea mentioned by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to do away with the kickoff comes to fruition.
How you might ask would the ball be returned to the other team? Goodell explained in a Time magazine profile by Sean Gregory:
[...] after a touchdown or field goal, instead of kicking off, a team would get the ball on its own 30-yard line, where it’s fourth and 15. The options are either to go for it and try to retain possession, or punt. If you go for it and fall short, the opposing team would take over with good field position. In essence, punts would replace kickoffs, and punts are less susceptible to violent collisions than kickoffs.
“The fact is,” Goodell, told Gregory of the idea first posed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, “it’s a much different end of the play…It’s an off-the-wall idea. It’s different and makes you think differently. It did me.”

New England Patriots kick off against the New York Giants in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., in 2011. (Photo: AP/Michael Dwyer, File)
ESPN explained that Schiano, who coached at Rutgers University in 2010, witnessed player Eric LeGrand receiving a paralyzing injury a during a kickoff return:
Schiano told ESPN The Magazine in September that he believed kickoffs would eventually be eliminated from pro football. “I believe that day will come. Unfortunately, it will probably take more players being seriously hurt. But I think there’s another way to do this.”

Former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, right, and his mother Karen LeGrand pictured in 2011. (Photo: AP/Mel Evans, File)
The NFL has already instituted new kickoff rules to make that portion of the game safer. According to the NFL earlier this year, the new rules have already helped reduce the number of reported concussions in the league. Last season, the NFL moved kickoffs up to the 35-yard line (a five yard adjustment), which has increased the number of touchbacks.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon (85) is hit by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dan Skuta (51) on a kickoff during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in 2010. (Photo: AP/Darron Cummings)

Tennessee Titans kick returner Marc Mariani (83) gets set to receive the opening kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter of an NFL football preseason game this year. (Photo: AP/Joe Howell)
In addition to reducing the risk of “catastrophic injury,” according to NBC Sports, such a move would also give punters, long snappers and gunners, as well as punt return teams, more time and value on the field. At the same time, though “kickoff specialists would become extinct, and return specialists who are much better returning kicks than punts would be far less valuable to the broader roster,” NBC Sports pointed out.
Just as not all fans were happy with the league moving up the kickoff a few yards, Gregory speculates the idea to eliminate it completely would not be well received either, as it is often an exciting part of the game that can occasionally yield long returns. And if teams start taking advantage of the opportunity, it could alter the game dramatically.
Let us know what you think about this proposal by taking our poll:
Read more of Gregory’s in-depth profile of Goodell in Time magazine here.
Featured image via AP
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

















































































































Comments (244)
Dudley Do-Right
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:56pmHey Roger…I have a better idea! Just replace the referee’s penalty flags with yellow and red cards. If I want to watch a soccer game, I’ll change the channel.
Report this comment
iampraying4u
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:42pmthey should play touchie football
Report this comment
Bloody Sam
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:50pmFix the problem.
If violent collisions are the problem, do one of two things. Change the way these Pro pukes are taught to lead with the helmet. College players rarely do that. Coaches in the NFL bear the responsibility.
Teach proper tackling technique. It is completely absent from NFL football. Fundementals!
Either that or give them back the leather helmets. That’ll get them to change behavior real quick.
Report this comment
ICSPADES
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:53pmLet them smoke crack on the sideline and drink a 40oz. along with it all while making millions of dollars.
All of the real players who played for the sport are gone or retired. Football is for the thugs now.
Report this comment
Paool
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:07pm@ICSPADES – I don’t know about all that. The problem is, just like in the msm and politics, you only really ever hear about one side. There a lot of good players who do a lot of good for the community in out reach programs and lead straight and narrow lives (at least not ones of debauchery and hooliganism.) Be careful of large encompassing statements like those, they paint a picture that just isn’t accurate.
Report this comment
black9897
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:29pmThis is absurd. They better not do this. I love football and watch it because it’s football…! The game is dangerous, don’t want to risk it then don’t’ play.
Report this comment
JRook
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:38pmIf as a country we were half as concerned with individuals safety and well being as we seem to be with very low probability football injuries, we would learn the lesson of Vietnam and remove ourselves from most of the military conflicts we get involved in. There is no honor in representing you country in conflicts it does not belong in. At least for no other reason than to feed the military industrial complex. Ron Paul is the only politician who is on recognizes the simple constitutional truth….. the government is authorized to form and operate a military for the purpose of national defense. Not the often stated BS about interest of national security.
Report this comment
Dan_o
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:01pmThey should be reducing the effectiveness of pads and helmets so the first sign of injury isn’t with the brain.
Report this comment
The_Jerk
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:45pmPink dresses for quarterbacks.
Report this comment
Favored93
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:50pmRisk of injury is why this sport is fun to play and watch! If you take away the risk of injury you are taking away the fun and point of the game which is to “BE A MAN AND PLAY THROUGH IT”!
Report this comment
Dudley Do-Right
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:52pmI’m throwing the flag at JROOK. Delay of game, 5 post penalty!
Report this comment
Eastinfection
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:55pmIf they’re going to get rid of most of the actual “kicking” in football, i respectfully request that they give the name “football” back to soccer. Soccer had it first, anyway.
From now on “football” would be “soccer” and “soccer” would be “football”.
All football fans do is disrespect the only two guys on the team that actually connect their “foot” to the “ball” anyhow.
Report this comment
edcoil
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 7:01pmThe idiots in charge will not be happy until A-Girls can play the game and B-multimillionaire players and rape the fan for more millions until they walk out with a cane. Then, the cane community will sue for unfair advantage.
Report this comment
R1dd1ck
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 7:19pmJRook. What does Ron Paul have to do with kick offs in the NFL? Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Now go hang out with the rest of the Ron Paulies.
Report this comment
SeanW
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 8:04pmSouth Park did it already. Just last month…. episode called Sarcastaball.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s16e08-sarcastaball
Report this comment
TROONORTH
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 8:13pmYou want a real improvement to American football? Make it three downs instead of four. This makes the game much faster and gets the ball into the air a lot more. No more grubbing around on the ground for a few yards gain. First down. Second down. TOUCH DOWN! Works well in Canada.
Report this comment
saranda
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 8:43pmhow about finding a way to generate more than 12 minutes of action in a typical 3 hour game. Or playing it on ice with skate, sticks and a puck. now that would a real game with 60 minutes of action per game.
Report this comment
usmc1063
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 9:15pmHmmm maybe they need pink flags instead.
Report this comment
PCDoctors4u2
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 9:17pmI saw a movie once with Wayans and Willis where the running back was carrying heat Nobody touched that guy! But then that was a fiction Movie all about sports and gambling, that could never happen. When I get the urge to see a live game, I put in my Original Madden 1964 and watch Bart Starr in the Ice Bowl, and when the urge passes to go to the game and face parking hassles, and submit to the public restrooms, and $8 beer and loud, obnoxious, violent fans, to sit in my $100 seats… I grab the remote on my 70 inch with surround sound and tune in “dancing with my stars” where I can still see all of my favorites trying to do that right thing, and suddenly life doesn’t feel so painful. I wonder how much revenue the Football industrial Complex contributes to the World Economy and why anyone would want to change such an excellent diversion to this mundane life?
Report this comment
Ditto Head
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 11:33pmAnd require all the players to wear ****** guards.
Report this comment
FlamingFartSyndrome
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:36amI have an idea! Instead of tackling eachother, the players should give each other hugs!
Report this comment
express34
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 2:19amI’ve said for years that Roger Goodell is the worst NFL Commissioner ever!! This right here proves it. I wish this guy would step down before he totally ruins the game. He moved the kickoff up to the 35 yd line this year so there would be more touchbacks. If he wants to eliminate kickoffs, shouldn’t he just make the receiving team start at their own 20 yd line instead of this wacky 4th & 15 idea? This guy should go work for the U.N.
Report this comment
WATER-THE-TREE
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 2:37amI have for always been for giving them back the leather helmets, They would actually have to play with finesse, rather than just be a human missile.
Report this comment
Conkuur
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 6:32amI KNOW! Maybe they can all wear pink tutu’s and wear little pink flags hooked to them by velcro and instead of tackling or touching at all they just pull the little pink flag off the player?!!!!!
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 9:17amWhat they should do is eliminate tackling altogether and replace it with harsh, but gender neutral and eco-sensitive language as the deterrent to the other team making a touchdown.
Report this comment
AlwaysAmazed
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:09am@JROOK
Ron Paul will soon be dead (not that I wish that on him, but) he will surely never be elected president. It is time to find another horse to bet on. He has joined the ranks of Romney, McLame, HW Bush, Dole, etc. Their time is past.
Report this comment
AlwaysAmazed
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 10:37am@ DITTO HEAD
Funny! Yeah, they do seem to get carried away at the ‘censor table’ at times. We’ve been talking about lady parts for the past 18 months – just can’t name those parts.
Oh well; Their House – Their Rules, I suppose, Virginia.
Report this comment
Buck Bagaw
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:13amNothing is more pathetic than a “fan”, someone whose spare (and valuable) time is pissed away watching games being played by someone else, with the outcome being totally meaningless in the scheme of things. If you used half the time you spend with eyes fixed on the tube and shoving chips and suds down your maw actually learning or accomplishing something yourself, you would be much better off physically, mentally, and financially. It (the game) is placed there to keep your attention off what is being done to us by the powers that be, and you are stupidly playing into their hands.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:36amIf they want to pansy up football even further than it has been already, there has to be a corollary move to toughen up, say, baseball. For example, allow them to use their bats between the bases to beat the basemen. And perhaps allow the players to throw the ball directly at the runners on base and count that as an “out”. I’d buy season tickets.
Report this comment
jcldwl
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 12:59pmGlad I quit watching football. I am telling you now I believe Goodell is invested in soccer and working from the top of the inside to destroy the nfl and make soccer the one world sport. Why don’t they just put on flags.
Report this comment
garylee123
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:54pmAmen.
Report this comment
Lamarr01
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 6:36pmI prefer lingerie football. Instead of tackling the opponent replace the hit with a fanny slap.
Report this comment
TooMuchSense
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 6:44pmJust stop spearing, or otherwise leading with the helmet in tackling. Look at old game films, when they tackled, not rammed with their feet off the ground or nearly so.
Report this comment
Tifn8r
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:56pmOoooh- I have an idea.
Let’s just make them stop running after the kickoff whenever someone touches them. Then there’s no collision.
We could also make it a much nicer game if everyone wears pink, so fans and players think about boobies and mommies all the way through.
Then we could make them all stop using bad language, and wear super-squishy uniforms so no one gets hurt (Like those silly sumo wrestling costumes). And we can have them stop running or jumping too. We don’t want any sprained ankles or torn ligaments.
These new rules will make it WAY better, because then ANYONE can play football. Ooooh – wouldn’t that be fun to watch? It’d be like going to a pee-wee football game every week.
OR – we could just let them get paid the zillions of dollars they get for running around and doing what they love to do, knowing that there’s always SOME risk involved.
It won’t be football anymore, but I guess men aren’t supposed to be men anymore are they? They’re supposed to be metrosexuals- or whatever the heck the libs want them to be.
Report this comment
Silvertruth
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:43pmLove your post, and agree, however, let’s take it to the ‘logical conclusion’:
Football is a gladitorial replacement game. Let’s get rid of the pads and helmets. (Ooooh, like Rugby!) Then, just so there’s some real risk involved, let’s dump the ‘blocking’ and allow full contact, anything goes way of taking care of your assigned target or zone. We could up the fun with “Melee Weapon Wednesdays” giving the front lines brass knuckles and saps. Finish it off with “Audience Participation Saturdays” where a few random audience members in the cheap seats are given bows and arrows to shoot at their respective enemy teams during the plays. It you’re too squimish on that, just tip the arrows with 1lb rubber heads, same effect, less deadly! Bump the rosters up by a factor of five and that will spread out the wealth. You’ll put a dent in unemployment as all those doctors put out of business by Obamacare can then go to work for the NFL, plus more players on the team! Sounds fun doesn’t it? Anyone else all for it?
Seriously, Football is a brutal sport, trying to make it ‘safer’ is like trying to not make water wet.
Report this comment
Micmac
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 4:20amYou forgot toe shoes
Report this comment
spfoam1
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:53pmIf they are going to do this, why not just limit all plays to a 15 yard maximum, or make players wear a short rope betwen their ankles so they can’t run fast enough to injure themselves in a collision?
Report this comment
Hythloday
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:53pmAt least it’s consistent with the current overall trajectory for America…”You know, if people were never born, there success rate of never being hurt psychologically, mentally, physically, metaphorically, clandestinely, accidentally, figuratively, photogenically, spiritually, purposely, hypothetically, adverbilly, or in this case, NFLLY, goes to 100%. No humans = Safe and secure humans. Cheers!
Report this comment
Jeanne2010
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:52pmRush predicted this almost a year ago!!!
Report this comment
Paool
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:14pmThe Golden EIB Mic is actually a tool for seeing into the future blessed by a magic shaman from the Stop&Go on 2nd and Main.
Report this comment
Rodeoamy
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:47pmWussification!!
Report this comment
MrButcher
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:52pmGive ‘em bread and games….
Report this comment
702TruthSeeker
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 1:10amouch my balls (idiocracy reference)
Report this comment
banjarmon
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:49pmMake the game 3 minutes long with NO time outs!!!!
Report this comment
SCREW-WINDOWS
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:26pmGave up on all sports when the slave trade began and they killed the hometown hero.
Report this comment
conservativecollegekid
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:48pmNO. This is ridiculous, tell the liberals to shove their stupid ideas and go back to stopping the rise of the sea levels.
Report this comment
1TrueOne55
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:00pmTheir Science on sea level rise was halted by a Pentium 90 decimal error, levels were miscalculated.
Report this comment
DLV
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:24amConservative- what college do you go to? Is it N.C. state like your avatar says? Just wondering because I’m in college as well and I feel like this site has a lot of older folks. Maybe I’m wrong.
Report this comment
starman70
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:48pmBefore long, they will change the rules to FLAG FOOTBALL. No blocking, no tackling just grab the flag on the runners behind.
WON’T THAT BE THRILLING?
Report this comment
Popp40
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:55pmThey can’t have flags….someone might break a finger when they go to grab the flag….
Report this comment
Go Glenn
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:04pmor make it like basketball with fouls for contact.
Report this comment
integrican
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:57pmVery close!!! I think it will be called F*AG football!!!
Report this comment
natebub
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:48pmLeave the game alone,,,,,I hate to say it but there are risks in everything we do from the time we get up till the time we go to bed. Progressives must be infiltrating the NFL now.
Report this comment
jeezpeeps
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:18pmIf they would be sure that Bob Costas was gone that would be one leff flamboyant leftist gone so there would be less complaining about stuff being so “physical”. Football is what it is… it is rough and tumble… people who are the greatest athletes in the world get paid handsomely to play. The Garbage Collection Technician on your local truck risks his life when he’s working too. Any blue collar folks do basically. Stop wussifieing America. Americans work hard… let them play hard as well.
Report this comment
endthemindlessspending
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:19pmProgressives have been infiltrating the NFL for years now. They are in all areas of life anymore and they don’t even try to hide it anymore.
Report this comment
mercenary4freedom
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:13pmNATE, they are!
Report this comment
pap pap
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:46pmWhy don’t they just play flag football. See what kind of fan base that gets you God L (spelled wrong on purpose)
Report this comment
indy1
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 7:15pmWhy don’t we leave it for the Democrats to outlaw football? I”m sure they’ll find a lib judge to do it.
Report this comment
Paool
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:45pmStop screwing around with my Football, dang-it
Report this comment
ltcwilly
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:45pmThe wussification of the NFL.
Report this comment
Durtypoon
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:11pmRemove the football and use a balloon – and while we’re at it why not have em wear tin-foil hats and bra’s – Yeah that’ll be entertaining. Instead of tackling they can stand around and compliment eachother as the other team tries to score. We’ll call it “Sarcastiball”
-Stan Marsh.
Report this comment
Durtypoon
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:14pmerrrr Randy Marsh, dangit.
Report this comment
iampraying4u
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:55pmlets do kick off every other play
Report this comment
Ir0nM4n
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:03pmWhen I read this I immediately thought of the South Park episode that DURTYPOON referenced.
http://www.southparkstudios.com/full-episodes/s16e08-sarcastaball
Report this comment
GJPinks
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:44pmLet’s put them all in those padded blowup Sumo outfits. No one will be allowed to run more than 4 feet with the ball and replace tackle with either touch or flags…
better yet, the team will change each game by randomly using fans as the players and all plays will be called by a majority of the crowd. Also, halt this horrible score keeping. Everyone wins..
Plus all team mascots must be unicorns.
Report this comment
armyofnibiru
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:32pmwhy not let the kicker kick off the recievers head.
Report this comment
lel2007
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:43pmOutlaw helmets & shoulder pads, there’ll be no more violent collisions.
Report this comment
Go Glenn
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:10pmNow you have it. More “protection” means more risk taking.
If they had to play in only shorts and shoes with no cleets, they would be more careful.
Or we could just cut the risk out and then cut their salaries to match that of a UPS driver. Hey why pay when the risk is low?
Report this comment
Uncurable wound
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:43pmFoolsball!
Report this comment
DimmuBorgir
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:42pmIt seems at the time i voted, 40% of us don’t watch football.
Report this comment
Balrog28
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:42pmI think I agree with what Joe Biden said on this – “this idea can be summed up in 3 words ==> Insane in the membrane!”
Report this comment
love the kids
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:41pmIt would be like eliminating guns from the military to prevent injuries.
Report this comment
dflocks80
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:40pmThis could be exciting. I’d rather see a team try and convert a 4th and 15 to retain possession then go for an oft-failed onside kick.
Report this comment
ricckky
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:39pmWhy should a rule change just because a few wackos want this–This is setting a very bad precedent—Hell–who cares–America is gone anyway— it has been taken over by uninformed citizens, progressives and down right stupid people!!!!–Greece, here we come to join you–I here –now–you want to be a communist country—So does America—when can we join you?—We don’t want to work any longer–you too?
Report this comment
IAMMADDOG
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:38pmIf they want to get stupid why don’t they just do what the XFL did. Put the ball at the 50 and let the fastest guy from each team race for it. Why not, that’s just as stupid.
Report this comment
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 7, 2012 at 11:03amI actually found the XFL a fun sideshow that really showed the contrast with how utterly over-regulated (rule wise, not government wise) traditional football is, and remains.
Plus, the XFL had stripper cheerleaders. You’ve got to admire the brazenness of that move.
Report this comment
cessna152
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:38pmWhy not simply get rid of tackling? Wait how about getting rid of touching the other team? Wait, how about getting rid of scoring because it could incite violence from the losing team and their fans? My goodness…there will be nothing left to watch on TV. Guess it’s back to spending time with God and family
Report this comment
Popp40
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:49pmPlus, keeping score may make the losing team feel bad so they should just do away with scoring and just give everyone a trophy….then all the players can say they are winners and all the fans can say they are champions….just think of the money Sports Illustrated will make by having a video of all the teams being champions.
Report this comment
Jamesoflinhood
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:54pmHa! My thoughts exactly.
I mean, sure, I’m all for player safety, but this is the NFL. This kinda stuff comes with the territory. I’m pretty sure that these athletes know the risks when they sign their million dollar contracts.
Besides, the League has been making much more sane changes and improvements to help reduce player injuries (Like better helmets and rule changes). Although I’m not exactly excited about their rule change moving the kickoff spot to the 35, I can understand the logic behind it and hey, at least it’s still a kickoff.
Also, career ending injuries can happen anywhere on the field. If the NFL is going to go insane about injury prevention, they’ll have to ban physical contact altogether and change their name to the National Flag Football League. Jeez.
Report this comment
tunnelboy
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:16pmlmao
Report this comment
Marine25
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 9:30pm@popp
you okay with that for presidential elections too? everybody gets a trophy? No more crybabies?
Report this comment
gyro
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:36pmWho cares canadian football is beter to watch
Report this comment
Paool
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:46pmGet off my internets. NOW!
Report this comment
Force2bewreckin
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:47pmhahahahahahah
Report this comment
Cavallo
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 3:29pm“Who cares canadian football is beter to watch”
Not to be confused with homosexual porn, although the similarities are extensive.
Report this comment
Eastinfection
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 5:50pmWho watches Canadian Football besides serious gambling addicts and parents of players that couldn’t get drafted into the NFL?
Report this comment
Fubared
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 2:36pmReally, they just need all pink uniforms, the rainbow coalition doing a nice dance on the sideline, and do the actual “sport” at mock 1/2 speed. And add more union, turn up the union to 11.
iampraying4u
Posted on December 6, 2012 at 4:00pmthey should be a real man and play without a cup
Report this comment