NFL Passes Simplified Catch Rule with Unanimous 32-0 Vote

Much to the delight of football fans everywhere, the NFL has unanimously approved changes that will simplify the definition of a catch.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the new catch rule passed by a 32-0 vote. Here are the new guidelines, per NFL.com: 

"1. Control of the ball.

2. Two feet down or another body part.

3. A football move such as:

• A third step
• Reaching/extending for the line-to-gain
• Or the ability to perform such an act"

After a 2017 season filled with controversial catches/non-catches, highlighted by the reversal of a potential game-winning touchdown in the New England Patriots-Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15 showdown, commissioner Roger Goodell made it known in late January on FS1's The Herd With Colin Cowherd that he was "concerned" about the confusion surrounding the rule:

As a result, the league did research to bring clarity.

Under the new rule, the answer to the well-worn question "Did Dez catch it?" in the 2014 divisional round against the Green Bay Packers, is in fact a yes. The Dallas Cowboys wideout's controversial non-catch at the Packers 1-yard line heavily contributed to his team's 26-21 loss.

"I think Dez Bryant was the start of us realizing maybe something needs to change," NFL Competition Committee chair Rich McKay said, per Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram.

It remains to be seen whether the new rule will eliminate all catch-related controversies. The good news for players and fans is the league admitted it had a problem and took steps to fix it.