SmashMouth

The kickoff is on the way out in the sport of football, and the NCAA has just taken the biggest step yet toward eliminating the play that has begun every game in the sport’s existence.

The NCAA announced today that on all kickoffs in college football, the receiving team will have the option to fair catch the ball anywhere inside the 25-yard line and have the play count as a touchback.

The NCAA was clear about the reasons for the rule change: Players get hurt on kickoff returns, and fewer returns will result in fewer injuries.

“The Football Rules Committee made the proposal to continue efforts to increase the number of touchbacks during kickoffs since fewer injuries occur during kickoffs that result in touchbacks than on kickoffs that are returned,” the NCAA said.

This rule will result in fewer kickoff returns, and once fans become accustomed to fewer kickoff returns, they’ll become accustomed to the idea of getting rid of the kickoff entirely. The kickoff is going away.

read more

jeanpierre

Flag Football is coming...

Crusader

I'm torn about this. I like the play as such but it is probably th emost dangerous one. I have gotten most of my concussions on kickoff/returns and a bunch of other injuries. Same for a lot of teammates and opponents.