NFL ownership voted to adopt a new fair catch rule on Monday that will likely further disincentivize kickoff returns. Every kickoff that is fairly-caught within the receiving team’s 25-yard line will automatically be placed at the 25 this upcoming season.
Per the league’s own projections, this will reduce the return rate from 38 to 31 percent. While the NFL also believes the concussion rate will drop 15 percent as a result of this new rule, there was a broad pushback across the league.
Head coaches, special teams coordinators, and players alike were against the proposal submitted by the competition committee.