Chiefs' Reid skeptical of new kickoff rule: NFL could become 'flag football'
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid doesn't seem to be a fan of the NFL's new kickoff rule, which places the ball at the 25-yard line following any fair catch during a kickoff.
"My thing is: Where does it stop, right?" Reid said Wednesday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. "You start taking pieces. We'll see how this goes. You don't want to take too many pieces away or you'll be playing flag football."
The NFL approved the rule Tuesday on a one-year trial basis in an attempt to reduce injuries on kickoff plays. Under the new rule, returners will be able to call for a fair catch anywhere on the field - not just in the end zone - and have the ball placed at their team's 25-yard line.
Twenty-six NFL teams approved the rule change, reports Albert Breer of The MMQB. The Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions reportedly voted against it, while the Las Vegas Raiders abstained.
I'm told there were 12-14 no's in that room Monday. As we wrote last week, Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh and Dan Campbell supported the ST coaches' efforts, so no surprise their owners had their backs. Sean Payton was another who backed the STCs—Denver was one Goodell flipped.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 24, 2023
The league has made several kickoff rule changes to promote fewer returns in recent years, including moving touchbacks from the 20-yard line to the 25-yard line in 2016.
Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend criticized the new rule Tuesday.
"Not good for football for many reasons," he tweeted. "But let's pass something that players and coaches are so clearly against."