Panthers specialist, others respond to major NFL special teams rule change on kickoffs
The NFL has decided to make a notable special teams rule change ahead of the 2023 season.
On Tuesday, the league’s owners voted to alter the fair catch rule on kickoffs on a temporary basis. For the upcoming season, returners will be able to signal a fair catch anywhere between the end zone and the 25-yard line on kickoffs, and the fair catch will result in the ball being placed at the 25-yard line, regardless of where the ball is caught within that range.
According to the NFL, the decision was made out of a concern for player safety.
Prior to the rule change, fair catches on kickoffs would result in the ball being placed at the spot of the catch. If the fair catch was made in the end zone, the play would result in a touchback, and the ball would be moved to the 25-yard line.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the rule faced an “aggressive pushback” from special teams coaches and players.
Panthers punter Johnny Hekker took to social media following the announcement of the rule change to claim that the altered approach — despite being a one-year rule — could be the beginning of the end for one of football’s staple plays.
“Peace out to the kickoff,” Hekker tweeted Tuesday, “hope you guys enjoyed them while they existed.”
Former New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz echoed Hekker’s point in a tweet of his own. Schwartz also acknowledged one of the shortcomings of the rule change.
“Might as well just pull the bandaid and get rid of kickoffs,” Schwartz tweeted. “It’s coming soon. And btw … fair catches don’t stop all the blocking and contact that’s happening before the kick is caught.”
Former NFL punter and current podcast host Pat McAfee responded to the rule change a bit more bluntly. McAfee, a former All-Pro, called the change “a joke” in a tweet.
Former New England Patriots and New York Jets defensive lineman Damien Woody also rejected the rule. The ESPN commentator said “this stinks” in regards to the announcement.
With the impact of kickoffs seemingly being mitigated, teams could choose to alter their roster plans as well.
If a team wants its returners to simply fair catch kickoffs, the squad might not prioritize having an experienced returner at the position. Also, if kickoffs become less important, coverage team players could be ignored in favor of more talent at the offensive and defensive skill positions.
For players fighting for roster spots, special teams has typically served as a gateway for deep depth contributors to make the roster. If one phase of special teams essentially becomes a formality, that outlook toward earning a roster spot could change significantly in the minds of coaching staffs and front offices.
This article was updated at 10:30 p.m. An earlier version explained the previous rule incorrectly and has been updated.
This story was originally published May 23, 2023 at 1:40 PM.
