NFL Kickoff Rule Changes Another Step in Wrong Direction

The NFL has taken another step backward.

As we have witnessed over the last couple of weeks, most of the kickoffs are now to the back of the end zone. Not only does this take away an exciting facet of the game, it also makes return specialists irrelevant.

Players like Devin Hester and Joshua Cribbs may never have had the opportunity to make a name for themselves had this same rule been in effect when they came into the league.

Kickoffs are almost pointless now; you might as well eliminate them and give each team the ball on the 20.

As I was watching SportsCenter the other night, it was mentioned that this was actually something discussed during the NFL lockout. Because of onside kicks, they decided to leave them alone.

Safety is the reason for the change, because there are violent hits that take place during kickoff returns.

What's next, eliminate tackling all together?

What commissioner Goodell and his staff need to realize is that football became popular because of the violent hits and exciting plays. This definitely includes kickoff returns, where we have seen many exciting returns.

Injuries will happen either way, this is why the players make so much money.

Fortunately, the players are against Goodell on these issues just as much as I am.

We can only hope he takes the hint or finds another job.