John Harbaugh Controversially Champions Roger Goodell’s Kickoff Initiative Amid Criticism From NFL

There might be a major change incoming in the NFL rules this season. The XFL tried a variation of the kickoff rule last season, and the league might be seeking to implement a similar rule. The report followed commissioner Roger Goodell‘s wishes to keep kickoffs in the league.

There was a constant notion in the past few seasons in favor of removing kickoffs to reduce injuries. So, last season, the XFL-style rule was included to balance excitement and safety in a game. If the proposal gets majority votes, fair catches would be allowed at kickoffs, and the Ravens’ head coach is in favor of the idea.

John Harbaugh “passionate” about a new play style

There has been a lot of commotion towards the removal of the most dangerous play in the league. The kickoffs can be quite dangerous due to the intense collisions between players running at high speed. However, Goodell established that while the play isn’t going to be eliminated, a modification might take its place at his recent press conference, as per PFF.

The head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, supports the commissioner’s sentiments. In a recent press conference from the AFC Coaches’ Breakfast at NFL Owners’ Meetings, Harbaugh expressed his appreciation for Goodell’s decision and confessed that he himself is “passionate” about the play style.

“The thing – I really appreciate about Roger Goodell is that -the passion and determination to to get the kickoff back into the game, to keep the game as exciting as it can possibly be. I mean, the kickoff return has been around for a long time in football.”

Goodell further said that he’s “happy” about Goodell’s initiative and feels that it is the right step toward “exploring every opportunity” in the sport and keeping the league “exciting.” So what exactly is this change of rules, and how will it affect the dynamics of the league?

What is the XFL’s kickoff rule?

Last season, among concerns about safety, the kickoff return rules were changed for one year. As a result, a major proportion of the kickoff returns were reduced, and the number of touchbacks increased. For the upcoming season, the league plans to increase returns while keeping the risk of injuries low. According to Tom Pelissero’s report, the “NFL competition committee approved a tweak to the proposed NFL Hybrid Kickoff rule.”

According to the rule previously used in the XFL, kickoffs will take place from the 30-yard line instead of 35. The opposing players line up with 5 yards of distance between them, significantly reducing the risk of collision-based injury. Till the ball is caught, no player can move except the kicker and the returner or up to 3 seconds if the ball hits the ground.

The new alteration in the NFL’s rules comes with the aim of improving safety for the rushing players and keeping the game’s excitement alive. The proposal will require 24 votes in the meeting set to be held on Monday. If passed, it will be interesting to see the impact of the teams’ strategies in response to the new dynamics in football.

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