The NFL’s adoption of fair catch rules on kickoffs similar to those used in the NCAA Tuesday morning inaugurated a new era in special teams. Now, any fair catch made before the return team’s 25-yard line on a kickoff will result in the ball being placed on the 25-yard line.
However, the rule has met with broad opposition, particularly with special teams coaches and players. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "special teams coordinators unanimously opposed the change," despite its ostensible implementation in the name of player safety.
Fans, too, mobilized on Twitter Tuesday to decry the rule change for a variety of reasons.
Some pointed to the excitement associated with kickoff returns.
Imagine my excitement when the season opens with a fair catch at the 8 yard line https://t.co/BLo2hFkWuy
— MrHurriicane (@mrhurriicane) May 23, 2023
Others pointed out that the rule change was inconsistent with past NFL rule changes related to the touchback.
OK, the point of making the touchback on kickoffs the 25 was to discourage touchbacks. Now with this new rule, it's basically all touchbacks. Why not put the touchback back on the 20 to help defenses a little bit? https://t.co/yB9cjthP6k
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@FO_ASchatz) May 23, 2023
The NFL's Monday announcement that it would introduce flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football games left many calling out the league's hypocrisy.
NFL: Because “player safety”…
— Sara Larson | BBGurl4Life (@sara_larson) May 23, 2023
Also NFL: short weeks, international games, adding more games, and flexing games are all approved…
I mean as long as it involves tv ratings and subsequently more $$… https://t.co/2Q0WwcDCkA
Lol the NFL is ruining its own product. This rule is bush league and if they cared about player safety they would have eliminated the TNF instead of making it flexible. NFL making terrible moves. https://t.co/MyufeYWS6F
— Stan of Mike McDaddy/Wilkins/Tua (Picante🌶️Hater) (@Tranracialangel) May 23, 2023
A few observers went as far as to declare kickoffs a thing of the past.
NFL has just killed kickoffs https://t.co/XzfMu93O4w
— Patriots Uniform Tracker (@PatsUnis) May 23, 2023
This seems stupid. Just start on the 25 every time and don’t waste my time watching a kickoff. https://t.co/DC4ZYf9yiW
— 6Lombardis #BLM (@stevemarasco) May 23, 2023
Fans also took a minute to remember great return men of the recent past.
Proof that he’s arguably the most significant NFL player of the last 20 years and should’ve been 1st-ballot Hall of Fame https://t.co/n7RbzFhF1H pic.twitter.com/gjge4JGzjB
— ᶜᵃˢᵗᵉʳ ˢʰᵉˡˡ (@castergunx) May 23, 2023
ESPN analyst Damien Woody accurately summed up the general mood of the football world.
This stinks https://t.co/LUb3CeWQOx
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) May 23, 2023
