NFL approves one-year trial run for new fair catch rule that could have dramatic impact on kickoff returns | Forum

There could be fewer kickoff returns during the 2023 season and that's because the 32 owners have approved a new rule that will encourage returners to call for a fair catch.Under the Wesley Woodyard Jersey new rule, which was approved on Tuesday, if a kickoff returner calls for a fair catch anywhere inside his own 25-yard line, the result will be the same as a touchback and the receiving team will get the ball at the 25-yard line. This e sentially means that any kickoff caught between the goal line and the 24-yard line can be moved up to the 25-yard line as long as the returner calls for a fair catch.This means the NFL now has the same rule as , which . The one catch Adoree' Jackson Jersey with the NFL's new rule is that it might not be permanent. The rule was approved as a one-year trial, which means if the NFL doesn't get what it wants out Bruce Matthews Jersey of the rule, then it can be scrapped starting in 2024. The NFL has been working years to cut down on the amount of contact that happens on kickoffs and by adding this new fair catch rule, the league is hoping that more players will make the decision to call for a fair catch instead of going for a return.The owners were actually going to vote on this rule Monday, but it got postponed to Tuesday because it was facing a lot of pushback from special teams coaches and players, according . One worry with the new rule is that it could lead to Dion Lewis Jersey more squib kicks, which could potentially lead to more violent hits on kickoffs instead of fewer. Although the new rule ended up getting approved, the NFL clearly listened to the concerns from the group of specialists, which is likely why the rule is only being approved for one year. Nate Davis Jersey It's been a busy week for NFL owners, who have voted to while . The owners also .