this is one of the dumbest ideas iver ever heard even mentioned to do to football. they already trying to make it flag football. which is making me want to watch it less and less and less. Goodell needs to go . get mike dika in there as commish. or LT. someone who knows what football is supposed to be about.
Rodger_dodger - 11 years ago
Goodell is starting to get on my nerves with all the exorbitant fines, and even more so with crap ideas like this.
He needs to be replaced - the commissioner's job has gone to his head.
John Sakura - 11 years ago
Just have the kicker line up on the 50 yard line and kick the ball with his opposite foot. At least this would be entertaining.
GET RID OF OVER AGRESSIVE PLAYERS,LIKE THE ONES CAUGHT IN NEW ORLEANS.GIVE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSIONS FOR LIFE.THEN YOU WILL SEE THE INJURIES GO DOWN.I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH SPORTS ALL MY LIFE,AND MY ATHLETIC LIFE ENDED DUE TO THIS LACK OF ENFORCING THE RULES.ALSO THE STEROID PROBLEM.THIS IS DRUGS(LIKE BEING STONED OR DRUNK) WHICH MAKE PEOPLE MORE AGRRESSIVE.THE MAIN LEAGUES MAKE MILLIONS ON THIS CRAP,STARTING FROM THE JUNIOR LEAGUES IN HIGH SCHOOLS.IN CANADA ESPECIALLY.OUR GOVT REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,AND ALLOWED POLICE,TEACHERS AND COACHES TO PROFIT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PLAYERS,HOPING THEY WOULD NOT GET CAUGHT,WHICH WAS COVERED UP ANYWAYS,BY USELESS SELF REGULATION,A CORRUPT JUSTICE SUSTEM,AND SO ON.THE MEDIA ALSO REFUSED TO PRINT THE TRUTH,AND THIS STILL GOES ON,AS YOU ONLY REPORT THINGS AFTER THE FACT.....I CHALLENGED MANY TO A PUBLIC DEBATE,AND ALL WAS IGNORED,EVEN WHEN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURED.
John from Va. - 11 years ago
Get rid of Roger Goodell one way or another. I don't care how it happens. He's got to go. I quit watching Nascar because of that fathead Mike Helton. Football is next. I'm sure it's a matter of time before they fuckup baseball. I'm pissed off. I can't believe the amount of people that think this is a good idea. Those are probably the same people that are running our country right now.
John from Va. - 11 years ago
Put dresses on them and let them play! You have a greatest sport in the U.S. and those girls that make the rules will ruin everything. Injuries are a part of the game. They all make the big bucks. I don't here any players saying "change the kickoffs, or I'm not going to play". Shit! Give me a million dollars and I'll go run the kickoff returns. STFU! Move the kickoffs back to the 30 yard line and lets get on with it.
Dave - 11 years ago
Wow...if they keep it up we will need to start taking something to stay awake, because the game will be so boring....while you are at it why don't you stop them from running out of the tunnel, hi five-ing, jumping or anything else that might get them hurt.
jim - 11 years ago
it's football, high impact, leave it alone, or change it to nerf football, and flags hanging off players
uniforms.
Kevin - 11 years ago
Nope of they want to eliminate kickoffs then just put the ball at the 20 and play. Neither team will have an advantage. I think it stinks taking away the onside kick but I think this is the best and fairest way to do it.
Joseph B. - 11 years ago
Never could set and watch flag football. Play real football !
Joseph B. - 11 years ago
Never could set and watch flag football. Play real football !
Go Broncos - 11 years ago
We are supposed to listen to this idiot coach who disregards the gentleman's agreement and has his players rush the opposing QB while he is doing a kneel down?
Ask Coach Coughlin how he feels about Tampa Bay roughing Eli.
big d - 11 years ago
Wow...21,000 idiots really think this a good idea...6 percent of football plays...i could see if the injuries were off like 30%...if this passes...consider me a baseball fan....goodell is ruining football...player safety is good but we might as well eliminate tackling too...change the turf to a foam pit..use a nerf football...kickers can hurt thier toes kicking...lets eliminate them and punters,too
Paul G - 11 years ago
It's the end of football as we know it. I don't QUITE understand cutting out kick-offs. I REALLY don't understand the stupid idea presented to replace them!
Daniel - 11 years ago
Football is the sport of men, they pay these guys so much money cause they do a job that is dangerous and has a higher chance of injury. Let them earn there money. Plus kickoff is a tradition and a big game changer. You can't take it out. Might as well just play two hand touch unless that's too dangerous as well
Ike - 11 years ago
This is a horrible idea, just like boxing and MMA there is a certain risk. Do you think they make millions because it is a safe easy job. In everything there are risks.
John Sotomayor - 11 years ago
Bad Idea! He's messing around with the game, its tactics and what players and teams train for. Kick-off and returns are part of the game. Pro football is not the gadren club outing. Maybe Goodall should get the hell out of football altogether. His latest thoughts are very disturbing for the continued success in Pro-football,. If he;s so concerned about safety - get, and require better protective equipment and stop trying to tell player how to stop in mid-action on a head on hit when it occurs. Most are unententional and often the recepient of the head hit, lowers his head and gets popped. Some leg iinjuries are worse - crack blocks and back injuries are just as important, but you cannot institute major changes that changesd how the game is played. My opinion.
Joe Kirk - 11 years ago
Please just leave the damn game alone. Your getting like NASCAR. New rules every weekend. When do we go powder puff????
john - 11 years ago
Can we pussify the game any more? Give me a break.
Jim - 11 years ago
What is more alarming is not the idea by Goodell but that 27 % actually think this is a great idea! Really 27 %.
Jackie Mounts - 11 years ago
If this happens I hope every team walks and the fans don't buy tickets to games! So far Goodell and his playmates have taken the "sport" out of football!! Maybe they just want a bunch girlie men running around the field. I, for one, will take up basketball where men can play like men!!!!
Most stupid idea they have come up with yet!!!!!
Mikeuphere - 11 years ago
Why not eleiminate any running start at all by kicking team and that the kicking team personal cannot cross a certain point (their own 30, 40 50, ?, yard line before the ball is touched by the receiving team?
chuckster - 11 years ago
lawyermalloy suggests why this is even being considered at all, "trying to know you on your ass"! Whatever happened to just tackling the ball carrier and not trying to see who can get in the biggest hit? The "showmanship" in the end zone has made its way into the defensive players wanting an opportunity to show off. Penalize, penalize, penalize and the BS will stop.
Marty - 11 years ago
This new rule seems like a punishment to the team that scores, and an advantage to the team on defense. Why not just treat it as a safety and let the punter kick it from the 30?
Ruben Quartana - 11 years ago
Lets just take off the pads and put on some flags... There's danger to some degree in every occupation. These men chose football and have spent their lives playing it, practicing it, living it, and loving it. All at the expense of their health. It's their choice. Not the dictator of football. Goodell isn't football friendly and cares nothing about tradition. All he cares about is his controversial imprint he will leave on the game and headlines including his face. Get over yourself Roger. They chose this sport and in the end this is a entertainment buisness not tyrannical government ran by one man with one voice. Take a page from David sterns book and step aside. Leave this job to someone better suited to run the nfl all the while balancing the viewers wants and players needs. This isn't about you! I'd had hoped your inability to show case the bounty scandal would show you for the farce you are. Cause real fans see your "it's my way or the highway mentality" cause the bounty gate you are attempting to bring to light is something that's been part of the game since its inception. Didn't start in New Orleans so quit trying to make and example out of them. Geaux Saints
lawyermalloy - 11 years ago
While I respect everyone's opinion on this issue and I certainly understand the excitement of the kick off, I dare say all those who voted this change a "bad idea" never had a 250lb linebacker run into you at full speed trying to knock you on your ass.
Paul - 11 years ago
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID !!! Just IMAGINE ALL THE TEAMS WITH GREAT QB's...Brady, Mannings, Rodgers, Luck, RG3 and all the new up and comers...4th & 15 is NOTHING to these guys. The Patriots run the score up on EVERY team they can. Just IMAGINE 4&15 to Brady or Manning is practically a gimmie. I see the SAME teams going to the Superbowl EVERY yr, not to mention scores will be like 83-14...Owners need to impeach goodell
Bouchard - 11 years ago
Give them pantyhose and high-heels Goodell, let em play in the lingerie league. Or, man-up, Kick the ball and start the game. After all it is FOOTball.
JR - 11 years ago
"Force=mass x Volocity squared "
Good grief man, don't talk about things you don't understand and sport bad grammar to boot.
F=ma, P=mv
Scott Denbina - 11 years ago
I can hardly believe that even Mr. Goodell is taking his own idea seriously. Surely this proposal is no more than a "strawdog" intended to open the discussion up on ways to reduce injuries in NFL football. I am very concerned about reducing injuries in NFL football, especially of the cerebrospinal variety, but the kickoff is such an iconic part of the game that its elimination altogether would be unacceptable. If Goodell and the NFL owners truly want to make the NFL safer, let THEM "man up" and truly eliminate the use of performance-enhancing drugs (steroids, HGH) by proclaiming lifetime NFL bans on players who abuse, first offense, zero tolerance. You want to make the game safer, you do so by stopping this ridiculous physical "escalation" that has taken place over the last 45 years, whereby 225lb linebackers have been replaced by 300+ lb charging rhinoceroses.
That said, here is an interesting idea: Keep the kickoff as it is through the first three quarters, but do allow the option of a "suicide down" (e.g., 4th and 15 from the 30 in lieu of a kickoff or onside kick) in the 4th quarter only. Absolutely, the kickoff to open each half MUST be preserved, that much should be non-negotiable.
Joe Schmo - 11 years ago
Stuuuuupid!!!
There are a lot of things we can do to reduce injuries in the game. Two hand touch and flags come to mind. But when are we going to say when. It's a called a contact sport for a reason. This hair brain idea is a bunch of bull.
The wussification of the game i have loved since 67 continues . you cant hit anybody anymore . they may as well put skirts or pink flags on the players ..disgusting to me .
Its FOOTBALL not sissy boy soccer or baseball .its a contact sport .
i think this commish is light in the loafers
ANTZZZ - 11 years ago
One word STUPID!!!!!!!!
Scotty Blaze - 11 years ago
What the hell is the difference if a ball is punted to someone or kicked off to them and a high speed collision occurs? Every collision could potentially by a high speed one no matter how it's caught.
Jason McIlvain - 11 years ago
Move kickoff back to 30 yard line and only field the kicker. If he kicks it out of the endzone, opposing team gets it on their 20, ball lands in the endzone-30, field of play-40. Would speed up game, raise scoring, make kicker and kickoff more relevant and erase possibility of injury. If kicking team elects to attempt to retain possession after a score, ball can be placed on own 20 yard line in a fourth and 20 situation. Also eliminate extra point. TD=7. But keep in mind, I just voted to rename Hornets to Pelicans so... Grain of salt and all.
Mike - 11 years ago
This sounds like it came from the mouth of a Republican and I think it's a bunch of MALARKEY!
I coached 18 seasons in NFL & 28 years total. The scariest collisions I ever saw we're on kick offs. One game was stalled for 30 minutes because of the fear we had a player with a broken neck. Replacing the kick off is a great idea. Players are bigger and faster. Force=mass x Volocity squared
Mark D - 11 years ago
Interesting Idea. No doubt that kickoff is the most dangerous play in football. It has possibilities. If you have played on kickoff or kickoff return, you know how hard the hits are that occur on this play. If you not have played on one of these specialty teams, then please do not comment.
JoeG - 11 years ago
This game is fast becoming what this country has turned into, a nanny state. Why doesn't Goodell go ahead and give every player flags and call it the NFFL. The National Flag Football League. That's what it is what it will ultimately turn into under his direction.
B - 11 years ago
how many people show up to watch flag football games? Give it time.......
sigviscious - 11 years ago
There's not enough difference between kickoff coverage and punt coverage to warrant changing the game that drastically. The receiver is going to duck his head during contact anyways, regardless of which type of kick it is. His spine's always at risk, regardless of what position he plays on O, D, or ST. The tacklers' speed seems like more of a concern, so perhaps thinking of ways to slow the runners down would be more successful? Make them start from a full stop, instead of allowing a 10 yard running start? Allow blockers to line up closer to the kickoff, in order to establish contact with the gunners sooner, thereby slowing them down? Grow the grass longer? Only allow players over 300 pounds to cover kickoffs? They'll slow down after 15 yards, for sure! Just don't eliminate the kickoff....
cifey - 11 years ago
It's not 'make it take it'.
It takes away from the satisfying transfer of the ball to the other team after a score.
Why not line up the kicking team (leaving the kicker at his 30) on the 50 yard line and let the blockers line up right on them.
This would stop most of the blocking collisions.
'Onside' kicks become a free for all with a minimum 30 yard kick.
generic mike - 11 years ago
Biggest problem is the 4th and 15. I don't mind the punting.
I don't think any team is going into a 4th & 15 at their own 30 lightly. Even the Saints aren't going to go for it unless they HAVE to.
If there was a way to enforce teams to line up in a punt formation, that'd be better. Force them to either punt, or fake punt. That way if Tom Brady lines up for a kickoff, you know something's up.
Erik - 11 years ago
Devon gets it. Obviously most others don't. Sure, it's an aspect of the game we're all accustomed to and on the surface, it seems outrageous. Commit to it for a season & see whether or not it: A) Cuts down on injuries B) Has a tremendous impact on the game itself.
Imagine a deadlocked game late in the 4th? It would be CRAZY! Heck, I'd be willing to trade off watching a kickoff for that.
Jim K - 11 years ago
stupid idea. one thing they should change however is the coin toss, why not line up the 2 fastest players on each team on opposite sidelines, race 1 endzone to the other and have a relay where someone else has to go back. would be cool to see an incorporation of someone who isnt meant to be fast or some kind of agility. players involved must be on the active roster for the game
Jim - 11 years ago
Your kidding, why don't we just have them play to-hand touch... Safety is important but lets face it at all levels it is a physical game and inherently not safe to play....
Vinny - 11 years ago
Regardless of safety, this rule would make comebacks substantially easier for a team down 2 TDs late. Imagine T Brady, P Manning, D Brees, E Manning, etc scoring a TD to go down 3 with 1 minute left. They then get this 4th & 15 from their own 30 that is supposed to be difficult to gain under usual circumstances, but the defense is practically playing a prevent so sneaking 15 yards in would be cake. I'd like to see the percentage of conversions on 4th & 15 compared to the percentage of onside kicks recovered, though your typical 4th & 15 is a far cry from this one.
The rule wouldn't change much during the beginning and middle of games, as going for 15 from your own 30 would be incredibly risky since it basically puts the other team in FG position if you throw an incomplete pass and few coaches would take that risk. But it would dramatically change the end of games.
IP3806 - 11 years ago
What a great idea Roger :-(
I think we need to have one Sunday a month as 'casual Sunday'- no pads, no no cleats, shorts and T-shirts; one Sunday a month for 'flag football' games designed for all practice squad players so the regulars won't get hurt; one Sunday a month for games where the scheduled 'home team' has an option as to whether they want to play based on the opponent and game time odds; and the final Sunday a month for teambuilding- you know shrink sessions, cooking lessons, group think, and 'goom bayh ah'
Leave the game ALONE
Jim - 11 years ago
Or, we could change the culture to expect players to wrap rather than hit at the point of tackle. you know, fundamentals and all. Crazy, right?!
RobK - 11 years ago
Yes he heard it from Schiano so it must happen..Schiano is a tool and so is Goodell....Ruining an American pasttime.....
riki - 11 years ago
OK the punt idea is a good one. The 'extra' point idea not so good. Just eliminate the extra point kick. Make it a 2 pt play required.
Barry Waller - 11 years ago
You are basically turning it into a "make it take it" game. A team with a great passing offense could be behind, score, and then still get the ball back, so it changes everything about using the clock to your advantage.
I hate this idea, and it is never gonna fly.
Joshua - 11 years ago
RG1 has made it unbelievably easy to voluntarily not watch football this year and rather clean up my DVR and venture out on weekends. I played defense and am outraged they play an unfair game BS game changing penalty calls from executives in the luxury boxes in the name of safety yet they are the majority if not all who have committed suicide are defensive players. Make game safer expand rosters mandatory concussion time off 1 month 2 or season. Goddell is killing the NFL catering to corporate fans who will get bored of all the scoring like basketball does so well and be attracted to the next shiny thing soon while educated legacy fans start to walk like myself and others I know. Before the lockout league was at it's best just about every game was a nail biter now no practice no hits one sided games a plenty and to many players just going through the motions Philly, Buffalo defenses etc etc. Your watching the fall of the NFL F! RG1! I am all over Baseball it's the same game I played grew up with and it's the off season! Well I got my Sunday's back not getting robbed investing that time on teams that will be robbed on BS swayed judgment call that will influence outcome of game 3 hours for refs to be center piece no thank you! Ba Bye! Rodger terrible job "Enforcer!"
Devon - 11 years ago
I have to laugh at these comments. You love and glorify the game, yet you could care less about making changes with the motive of player safety. The idea is different for sure, but it is simply an idea to promote discussion. The man-up comments are soo tired and pathetic. Speak to someone who has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) for one minute (if they can speak), and you will realize the devastating impact it can have on someone's life. Everything from limb paralysis, to personality change, to losing the ability to speak, to even death. Look at the recent KC incident, TBI's of the frontal cortex can cause personality change (it was reported that the player behavior up to the end was totally out of character). Consider that a head injury could have been the spark of a chain of events that ended up in a Murder/Suicide. Yeah, Man up, who cares if the next hit will put you in a wheelchair. Man-up, so what if you die at 45 from a mini stroke related to multiple head injuries. Clearly none of you have any inkling about neuroscience and how nervous system trauma can destroy someone's life. I say keep the discussion going and make player safety paramount knowing that football will always carry risk. I love this game, I have respect for the players, and I am not closed minded enough to think that change is automatically bad. Yeah, like instant replay review was a terrible change. The rules of all sports continually evolve, to say the game hasn't changed simply proves ignorance. I don't agree totally with the rule change, but being proactive about safety is a positive. So try and learn something to make a productive point before all the man-up, it is a tradition, we don't like change bullshit.
CavemanO11 - 11 years ago
If this happens we may as well start to watch rugby and European Futbol. This idea is worse than moving the kickoff up five yards, which effectively negates the run-back possibilities of great returners. Furthermore, lets turn football into South Park's "Sarcastiball" and give all the players hugs and handshakes on the field. George Halas and Vince Lombardi would roll in their graves if this actually passes through. That would be one awkward conversation in the football afterlife.
Goodell: "I made the NFL safer."
Halas and Lombardi: "You destroyed our life's work! How did you even get to be commissioner?"
Just think about what this would do to the game of football. I don't even know if you could even continue to call that sport football. Millions of people would find other sports or hobbies to do on a fall Sunday. I know I certainly will if this actually passes.
Seriously! Why don't they just play flag football. Time to leave the pansies out of the game. Football is for real men!
Hylus Shenk - 11 years ago
Quit trying to change football. If you are serious about cutting down on injuries, then take the face guard off and let them play like football was ment to be played.
jcourteau - 11 years ago
stupid.... footbal is a violent sport.... thats what makes it what it is... similar to the gladiators in roman times... its already becoming watered down and over refereed/penalized/fined
players aren't made to fight for their lives and you understand the risk going in... they also have a doubled standard where they dont want anything changed but will sue at the drop of a hat after the fact... just like every other aspect of society it is driven by greed
joe k - 11 years ago
I have an idea... lets change commisioners.....
Lee - 11 years ago
This is pretty interesting when you think about it. Don't convert that 4th and 15, and you pretty much just gave away a field goal. It's also going to make for better possibilities for comebacks.
No more on-side kicks. More possibilities for fake punt plays.
Kyle - 11 years ago
Tho I think player safety is very important , I also diss agree with this rule change.American football as we know it has been around since 1869, when Rutgers and Princeton played the first game on American soil. So to come in and change the face of the game completely is not only wrong but you would also be destroying a tradition that has been around for the better part of 144 years, yes like I said safety should be one of the main things that the nfl directs there attention to but there has to be a diff conclusion to the issue and changing rules and ways the game is played is not the way to address that situation some rules I do agree with that have been changed but not this one this will cause the nfl to go into a tail spin of bad reputation of always changing the way the game it self was invented and how it's intended to be played , mr Comissioner if u want the nfl as a business to survive I'd highly advise you to not change this game any more than you already have
Gary S - 11 years ago
How about all the players gather at midfield and hug. One big group hug. Then exchange gifts and get in touch with their feminine sides. The QB's can bring cookies to the group hug session. The biggest lineman on each team will judge the cookies. The QB who makes the best cookies gets the ball first. Then instead of tackling on plays the defense shakes the offensive players hand. Once a handshake is offered the opposing player must accept or be penalized in the naughty chair. How about that?? Huh Mr. Commissioner? STOP RAPING OUR GAME!!!
Bruce - 11 years ago
Wait just a second! Football by nature of the game is a very dangerous sport. It is a collision sport. That is why it is so attractive to many spectators. You have to have the stomach to play and watch the game. I think it is necessary to protect the players to some extent, but you have some people sitting in the stands thinking that it’s become too rough. Players know what they are getting into when they suit up to play. The risk of getting injured is high, but if you asked any player about that and they will say you try not to think about getting hurt or you will get hurt trying to hold back. If we keep trying to change the sport sooner or later you may as well call it touch football.
Eric - 11 years ago
I wish there was another category to express my dissatisfaction about Goodell and his stupid and inept process to turn this unique sport into Women's softball. Honestly this might be the single worst idea in the history of western civilization. I want the box for that.
Wedo - 11 years ago
Just leave it alone or just let them kick from the 10 yard line and pull back the receiving team n on on.side recovery bring them back in
Matt - 11 years ago
Worst idea I have ever heard adn the fact it came from a coach is disappointing. If they want to get rid of the kickoff, get rid of the kickoff. Give them the ball on the 20, like an automatic touchback.
Better yet, keep the kickoff and dress them all in those oversized sumo suits. Can't hurt themselves then.
Norm - 11 years ago
quit screwing with my game Goodell
Pt - 11 years ago
So, instead of demanding your PROFESSIONAL players lead with the shoulder, which is coached fundamentally at the pop-warner level and would reduce cervical spine injuries drastically, Goddell ponders to instead change the way the game has been played for over a hundred years. Makes total sense. And what a coincidence; without the need to have a long kicker, that frees up a couple hundreds of thousands to low-millions to offer free agents and retain their over-priced talent.
Kurt Neubauer of Hopatcong - 11 years ago
Does this moron realize that he is talking about FOOTBALL!!!!! it may not be considered "America's Pastime" but I guarantee more people get involved in football than baseball and i wonder why... MAYBE THE CONTACT!!!! how is this guy still the comissioner?!?!? someone HELP THE SPORT OF FOOTBALL before this clown ruins it for good with a stupid rule like this!!!
Randi - 11 years ago
leave football RULES alone :)
Randi - 11 years ago
Leave Football Alone!! :)
nina - 11 years ago
this is stupid. make them better protected with the paddings dont change the game adn what we love about it.... if the kick off is changed then it wont be foot ball
Paul - 11 years ago
Goodell is ruining this league. What a moron.
rick gonzalez - 11 years ago
Wow this is a bs idea, this is what
Football is all about leave it how it is and stop changing rules ur making the sport weak. Just saying
Darrel B - 11 years ago
So let me get this straight. After I score a touch down, I get the ball back on the 30 with a fourth and 15? Some teams may never give the ball up!
I like to suck farts
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!?!
this is one of the dumbest ideas iver ever heard even mentioned to do to football. they already trying to make it flag football. which is making me want to watch it less and less and less. Goodell needs to go . get mike dika in there as commish. or LT. someone who knows what football is supposed to be about.
Goodell is starting to get on my nerves with all the exorbitant fines, and even more so with crap ideas like this.
He needs to be replaced - the commissioner's job has gone to his head.
Just have the kicker line up on the 50 yard line and kick the ball with his opposite foot. At least this would be entertaining.
GET RID OF OVER AGRESSIVE PLAYERS,LIKE THE ONES CAUGHT IN NEW ORLEANS.GIVE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSIONS FOR LIFE.THEN YOU WILL SEE THE INJURIES GO DOWN.I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH SPORTS ALL MY LIFE,AND MY ATHLETIC LIFE ENDED DUE TO THIS LACK OF ENFORCING THE RULES.ALSO THE STEROID PROBLEM.THIS IS DRUGS(LIKE BEING STONED OR DRUNK) WHICH MAKE PEOPLE MORE AGRRESSIVE.THE MAIN LEAGUES MAKE MILLIONS ON THIS CRAP,STARTING FROM THE JUNIOR LEAGUES IN HIGH SCHOOLS.IN CANADA ESPECIALLY.OUR GOVT REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,AND ALLOWED POLICE,TEACHERS AND COACHES TO PROFIT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PLAYERS,HOPING THEY WOULD NOT GET CAUGHT,WHICH WAS COVERED UP ANYWAYS,BY USELESS SELF REGULATION,A CORRUPT JUSTICE SUSTEM,AND SO ON.THE MEDIA ALSO REFUSED TO PRINT THE TRUTH,AND THIS STILL GOES ON,AS YOU ONLY REPORT THINGS AFTER THE FACT.....I CHALLENGED MANY TO A PUBLIC DEBATE,AND ALL WAS IGNORED,EVEN WHEN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURED.
Get rid of Roger Goodell one way or another. I don't care how it happens. He's got to go. I quit watching Nascar because of that fathead Mike Helton. Football is next. I'm sure it's a matter of time before they fuckup baseball. I'm pissed off. I can't believe the amount of people that think this is a good idea. Those are probably the same people that are running our country right now.
Put dresses on them and let them play! You have a greatest sport in the U.S. and those girls that make the rules will ruin everything. Injuries are a part of the game. They all make the big bucks. I don't here any players saying "change the kickoffs, or I'm not going to play". Shit! Give me a million dollars and I'll go run the kickoff returns. STFU! Move the kickoffs back to the 30 yard line and lets get on with it.
Wow...if they keep it up we will need to start taking something to stay awake, because the game will be so boring....while you are at it why don't you stop them from running out of the tunnel, hi five-ing, jumping or anything else that might get them hurt.
it's football, high impact, leave it alone, or change it to nerf football, and flags hanging off players
uniforms.
Nope of they want to eliminate kickoffs then just put the ball at the 20 and play. Neither team will have an advantage. I think it stinks taking away the onside kick but I think this is the best and fairest way to do it.
Never could set and watch flag football. Play real football !
Never could set and watch flag football. Play real football !
We are supposed to listen to this idiot coach who disregards the gentleman's agreement and has his players rush the opposing QB while he is doing a kneel down?
Ask Coach Coughlin how he feels about Tampa Bay roughing Eli.
Wow...21,000 idiots really think this a good idea...6 percent of football plays...i could see if the injuries were off like 30%...if this passes...consider me a baseball fan....goodell is ruining football...player safety is good but we might as well eliminate tackling too...change the turf to a foam pit..use a nerf football...kickers can hurt thier toes kicking...lets eliminate them and punters,too
It's the end of football as we know it. I don't QUITE understand cutting out kick-offs. I REALLY don't understand the stupid idea presented to replace them!
Football is the sport of men, they pay these guys so much money cause they do a job that is dangerous and has a higher chance of injury. Let them earn there money. Plus kickoff is a tradition and a big game changer. You can't take it out. Might as well just play two hand touch unless that's too dangerous as well
This is a horrible idea, just like boxing and MMA there is a certain risk. Do you think they make millions because it is a safe easy job. In everything there are risks.
Bad Idea! He's messing around with the game, its tactics and what players and teams train for. Kick-off and returns are part of the game. Pro football is not the gadren club outing. Maybe Goodall should get the hell out of football altogether. His latest thoughts are very disturbing for the continued success in Pro-football,. If he;s so concerned about safety - get, and require better protective equipment and stop trying to tell player how to stop in mid-action on a head on hit when it occurs. Most are unententional and often the recepient of the head hit, lowers his head and gets popped. Some leg iinjuries are worse - crack blocks and back injuries are just as important, but you cannot institute major changes that changesd how the game is played. My opinion.
Please just leave the damn game alone. Your getting like NASCAR. New rules every weekend. When do we go powder puff????
Can we pussify the game any more? Give me a break.
What is more alarming is not the idea by Goodell but that 27 % actually think this is a great idea! Really 27 %.
If this happens I hope every team walks and the fans don't buy tickets to games! So far Goodell and his playmates have taken the "sport" out of football!! Maybe they just want a bunch girlie men running around the field. I, for one, will take up basketball where men can play like men!!!!
Most stupid idea they have come up with yet!!!!!
Why not eleiminate any running start at all by kicking team and that the kicking team personal cannot cross a certain point (their own 30, 40 50, ?, yard line before the ball is touched by the receiving team?
lawyermalloy suggests why this is even being considered at all, "trying to know you on your ass"! Whatever happened to just tackling the ball carrier and not trying to see who can get in the biggest hit? The "showmanship" in the end zone has made its way into the defensive players wanting an opportunity to show off. Penalize, penalize, penalize and the BS will stop.
This new rule seems like a punishment to the team that scores, and an advantage to the team on defense. Why not just treat it as a safety and let the punter kick it from the 30?
Lets just take off the pads and put on some flags... There's danger to some degree in every occupation. These men chose football and have spent their lives playing it, practicing it, living it, and loving it. All at the expense of their health. It's their choice. Not the dictator of football. Goodell isn't football friendly and cares nothing about tradition. All he cares about is his controversial imprint he will leave on the game and headlines including his face. Get over yourself Roger. They chose this sport and in the end this is a entertainment buisness not tyrannical government ran by one man with one voice. Take a page from David sterns book and step aside. Leave this job to someone better suited to run the nfl all the while balancing the viewers wants and players needs. This isn't about you! I'd had hoped your inability to show case the bounty scandal would show you for the farce you are. Cause real fans see your "it's my way or the highway mentality" cause the bounty gate you are attempting to bring to light is something that's been part of the game since its inception. Didn't start in New Orleans so quit trying to make and example out of them. Geaux Saints
While I respect everyone's opinion on this issue and I certainly understand the excitement of the kick off, I dare say all those who voted this change a "bad idea" never had a 250lb linebacker run into you at full speed trying to knock you on your ass.
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID !!! Just IMAGINE ALL THE TEAMS WITH GREAT QB's...Brady, Mannings, Rodgers, Luck, RG3 and all the new up and comers...4th & 15 is NOTHING to these guys. The Patriots run the score up on EVERY team they can. Just IMAGINE 4&15 to Brady or Manning is practically a gimmie. I see the SAME teams going to the Superbowl EVERY yr, not to mention scores will be like 83-14...Owners need to impeach goodell
Give them pantyhose and high-heels Goodell, let em play in the lingerie league. Or, man-up, Kick the ball and start the game. After all it is FOOTball.
"Force=mass x Volocity squared "
Good grief man, don't talk about things you don't understand and sport bad grammar to boot.
F=ma, P=mv
I can hardly believe that even Mr. Goodell is taking his own idea seriously. Surely this proposal is no more than a "strawdog" intended to open the discussion up on ways to reduce injuries in NFL football. I am very concerned about reducing injuries in NFL football, especially of the cerebrospinal variety, but the kickoff is such an iconic part of the game that its elimination altogether would be unacceptable. If Goodell and the NFL owners truly want to make the NFL safer, let THEM "man up" and truly eliminate the use of performance-enhancing drugs (steroids, HGH) by proclaiming lifetime NFL bans on players who abuse, first offense, zero tolerance. You want to make the game safer, you do so by stopping this ridiculous physical "escalation" that has taken place over the last 45 years, whereby 225lb linebackers have been replaced by 300+ lb charging rhinoceroses.
That said, here is an interesting idea: Keep the kickoff as it is through the first three quarters, but do allow the option of a "suicide down" (e.g., 4th and 15 from the 30 in lieu of a kickoff or onside kick) in the 4th quarter only. Absolutely, the kickoff to open each half MUST be preserved, that much should be non-negotiable.
Stuuuuupid!!!
There are a lot of things we can do to reduce injuries in the game. Two hand touch and flags come to mind. But when are we going to say when. It's a called a contact sport for a reason. This hair brain idea is a bunch of bull.
The people have spoken Goodell. Check the poll.
The wussification of the game i have loved since 67 continues . you cant hit anybody anymore . they may as well put skirts or pink flags on the players ..disgusting to me .
Its FOOTBALL not sissy boy soccer or baseball .its a contact sport .
i think this commish is light in the loafers
One word STUPID!!!!!!!!
What the hell is the difference if a ball is punted to someone or kicked off to them and a high speed collision occurs? Every collision could potentially by a high speed one no matter how it's caught.
Move kickoff back to 30 yard line and only field the kicker. If he kicks it out of the endzone, opposing team gets it on their 20, ball lands in the endzone-30, field of play-40. Would speed up game, raise scoring, make kicker and kickoff more relevant and erase possibility of injury. If kicking team elects to attempt to retain possession after a score, ball can be placed on own 20 yard line in a fourth and 20 situation. Also eliminate extra point. TD=7. But keep in mind, I just voted to rename Hornets to Pelicans so... Grain of salt and all.
This sounds like it came from the mouth of a Republican and I think it's a bunch of MALARKEY!
I coached 18 seasons in NFL & 28 years total. The scariest collisions I ever saw we're on kick offs. One game was stalled for 30 minutes because of the fear we had a player with a broken neck. Replacing the kick off is a great idea. Players are bigger and faster. Force=mass x Volocity squared
Interesting Idea. No doubt that kickoff is the most dangerous play in football. It has possibilities. If you have played on kickoff or kickoff return, you know how hard the hits are that occur on this play. If you not have played on one of these specialty teams, then please do not comment.
This game is fast becoming what this country has turned into, a nanny state. Why doesn't Goodell go ahead and give every player flags and call it the NFFL. The National Flag Football League. That's what it is what it will ultimately turn into under his direction.
how many people show up to watch flag football games? Give it time.......
There's not enough difference between kickoff coverage and punt coverage to warrant changing the game that drastically. The receiver is going to duck his head during contact anyways, regardless of which type of kick it is. His spine's always at risk, regardless of what position he plays on O, D, or ST. The tacklers' speed seems like more of a concern, so perhaps thinking of ways to slow the runners down would be more successful? Make them start from a full stop, instead of allowing a 10 yard running start? Allow blockers to line up closer to the kickoff, in order to establish contact with the gunners sooner, thereby slowing them down? Grow the grass longer? Only allow players over 300 pounds to cover kickoffs? They'll slow down after 15 yards, for sure! Just don't eliminate the kickoff....
It's not 'make it take it'.
It takes away from the satisfying transfer of the ball to the other team after a score.
Why not line up the kicking team (leaving the kicker at his 30) on the 50 yard line and let the blockers line up right on them.
This would stop most of the blocking collisions.
'Onside' kicks become a free for all with a minimum 30 yard kick.
Biggest problem is the 4th and 15. I don't mind the punting.
I don't think any team is going into a 4th & 15 at their own 30 lightly. Even the Saints aren't going to go for it unless they HAVE to.
If there was a way to enforce teams to line up in a punt formation, that'd be better. Force them to either punt, or fake punt. That way if Tom Brady lines up for a kickoff, you know something's up.
Devon gets it. Obviously most others don't. Sure, it's an aspect of the game we're all accustomed to and on the surface, it seems outrageous. Commit to it for a season & see whether or not it: A) Cuts down on injuries B) Has a tremendous impact on the game itself.
Imagine a deadlocked game late in the 4th? It would be CRAZY! Heck, I'd be willing to trade off watching a kickoff for that.
stupid idea. one thing they should change however is the coin toss, why not line up the 2 fastest players on each team on opposite sidelines, race 1 endzone to the other and have a relay where someone else has to go back. would be cool to see an incorporation of someone who isnt meant to be fast or some kind of agility. players involved must be on the active roster for the game
Your kidding, why don't we just have them play to-hand touch... Safety is important but lets face it at all levels it is a physical game and inherently not safe to play....
Regardless of safety, this rule would make comebacks substantially easier for a team down 2 TDs late. Imagine T Brady, P Manning, D Brees, E Manning, etc scoring a TD to go down 3 with 1 minute left. They then get this 4th & 15 from their own 30 that is supposed to be difficult to gain under usual circumstances, but the defense is practically playing a prevent so sneaking 15 yards in would be cake. I'd like to see the percentage of conversions on 4th & 15 compared to the percentage of onside kicks recovered, though your typical 4th & 15 is a far cry from this one.
The rule wouldn't change much during the beginning and middle of games, as going for 15 from your own 30 would be incredibly risky since it basically puts the other team in FG position if you throw an incomplete pass and few coaches would take that risk. But it would dramatically change the end of games.
What a great idea Roger :-(
I think we need to have one Sunday a month as 'casual Sunday'- no pads, no no cleats, shorts and T-shirts; one Sunday a month for 'flag football' games designed for all practice squad players so the regulars won't get hurt; one Sunday a month for games where the scheduled 'home team' has an option as to whether they want to play based on the opponent and game time odds; and the final Sunday a month for teambuilding- you know shrink sessions, cooking lessons, group think, and 'goom bayh ah'
Leave the game ALONE
Or, we could change the culture to expect players to wrap rather than hit at the point of tackle. you know, fundamentals and all. Crazy, right?!
Yes he heard it from Schiano so it must happen..Schiano is a tool and so is Goodell....Ruining an American pasttime.....
OK the punt idea is a good one. The 'extra' point idea not so good. Just eliminate the extra point kick. Make it a 2 pt play required.
You are basically turning it into a "make it take it" game. A team with a great passing offense could be behind, score, and then still get the ball back, so it changes everything about using the clock to your advantage.
I hate this idea, and it is never gonna fly.
RG1 has made it unbelievably easy to voluntarily not watch football this year and rather clean up my DVR and venture out on weekends. I played defense and am outraged they play an unfair game BS game changing penalty calls from executives in the luxury boxes in the name of safety yet they are the majority if not all who have committed suicide are defensive players. Make game safer expand rosters mandatory concussion time off 1 month 2 or season. Goddell is killing the NFL catering to corporate fans who will get bored of all the scoring like basketball does so well and be attracted to the next shiny thing soon while educated legacy fans start to walk like myself and others I know. Before the lockout league was at it's best just about every game was a nail biter now no practice no hits one sided games a plenty and to many players just going through the motions Philly, Buffalo defenses etc etc. Your watching the fall of the NFL F! RG1! I am all over Baseball it's the same game I played grew up with and it's the off season! Well I got my Sunday's back not getting robbed investing that time on teams that will be robbed on BS swayed judgment call that will influence outcome of game 3 hours for refs to be center piece no thank you! Ba Bye! Rodger terrible job "Enforcer!"
I have to laugh at these comments. You love and glorify the game, yet you could care less about making changes with the motive of player safety. The idea is different for sure, but it is simply an idea to promote discussion. The man-up comments are soo tired and pathetic. Speak to someone who has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) for one minute (if they can speak), and you will realize the devastating impact it can have on someone's life. Everything from limb paralysis, to personality change, to losing the ability to speak, to even death. Look at the recent KC incident, TBI's of the frontal cortex can cause personality change (it was reported that the player behavior up to the end was totally out of character). Consider that a head injury could have been the spark of a chain of events that ended up in a Murder/Suicide. Yeah, Man up, who cares if the next hit will put you in a wheelchair. Man-up, so what if you die at 45 from a mini stroke related to multiple head injuries. Clearly none of you have any inkling about neuroscience and how nervous system trauma can destroy someone's life. I say keep the discussion going and make player safety paramount knowing that football will always carry risk. I love this game, I have respect for the players, and I am not closed minded enough to think that change is automatically bad. Yeah, like instant replay review was a terrible change. The rules of all sports continually evolve, to say the game hasn't changed simply proves ignorance. I don't agree totally with the rule change, but being proactive about safety is a positive. So try and learn something to make a productive point before all the man-up, it is a tradition, we don't like change bullshit.
If this happens we may as well start to watch rugby and European Futbol. This idea is worse than moving the kickoff up five yards, which effectively negates the run-back possibilities of great returners. Furthermore, lets turn football into South Park's "Sarcastiball" and give all the players hugs and handshakes on the field. George Halas and Vince Lombardi would roll in their graves if this actually passes through. That would be one awkward conversation in the football afterlife.
Goodell: "I made the NFL safer."
Halas and Lombardi: "You destroyed our life's work! How did you even get to be commissioner?"
Just think about what this would do to the game of football. I don't even know if you could even continue to call that sport football. Millions of people would find other sports or hobbies to do on a fall Sunday. I know I certainly will if this actually passes.
Seriously! Why don't they just play flag football. Time to leave the pansies out of the game. Football is for real men!
Quit trying to change football. If you are serious about cutting down on injuries, then take the face guard off and let them play like football was ment to be played.
stupid.... footbal is a violent sport.... thats what makes it what it is... similar to the gladiators in roman times... its already becoming watered down and over refereed/penalized/fined
players aren't made to fight for their lives and you understand the risk going in... they also have a doubled standard where they dont want anything changed but will sue at the drop of a hat after the fact... just like every other aspect of society it is driven by greed
I have an idea... lets change commisioners.....
This is pretty interesting when you think about it. Don't convert that 4th and 15, and you pretty much just gave away a field goal. It's also going to make for better possibilities for comebacks.
No more on-side kicks. More possibilities for fake punt plays.
Tho I think player safety is very important , I also diss agree with this rule change.American football as we know it has been around since 1869, when Rutgers and Princeton played the first game on American soil. So to come in and change the face of the game completely is not only wrong but you would also be destroying a tradition that has been around for the better part of 144 years, yes like I said safety should be one of the main things that the nfl directs there attention to but there has to be a diff conclusion to the issue and changing rules and ways the game is played is not the way to address that situation some rules I do agree with that have been changed but not this one this will cause the nfl to go into a tail spin of bad reputation of always changing the way the game it self was invented and how it's intended to be played , mr Comissioner if u want the nfl as a business to survive I'd highly advise you to not change this game any more than you already have
How about all the players gather at midfield and hug. One big group hug. Then exchange gifts and get in touch with their feminine sides. The QB's can bring cookies to the group hug session. The biggest lineman on each team will judge the cookies. The QB who makes the best cookies gets the ball first. Then instead of tackling on plays the defense shakes the offensive players hand. Once a handshake is offered the opposing player must accept or be penalized in the naughty chair. How about that?? Huh Mr. Commissioner? STOP RAPING OUR GAME!!!
Wait just a second! Football by nature of the game is a very dangerous sport. It is a collision sport. That is why it is so attractive to many spectators. You have to have the stomach to play and watch the game. I think it is necessary to protect the players to some extent, but you have some people sitting in the stands thinking that it’s become too rough. Players know what they are getting into when they suit up to play. The risk of getting injured is high, but if you asked any player about that and they will say you try not to think about getting hurt or you will get hurt trying to hold back. If we keep trying to change the sport sooner or later you may as well call it touch football.
I wish there was another category to express my dissatisfaction about Goodell and his stupid and inept process to turn this unique sport into Women's softball. Honestly this might be the single worst idea in the history of western civilization. I want the box for that.
Just leave it alone or just let them kick from the 10 yard line and pull back the receiving team n on on.side recovery bring them back in
Worst idea I have ever heard adn the fact it came from a coach is disappointing. If they want to get rid of the kickoff, get rid of the kickoff. Give them the ball on the 20, like an automatic touchback.
Better yet, keep the kickoff and dress them all in those oversized sumo suits. Can't hurt themselves then.
quit screwing with my game Goodell
So, instead of demanding your PROFESSIONAL players lead with the shoulder, which is coached fundamentally at the pop-warner level and would reduce cervical spine injuries drastically, Goddell ponders to instead change the way the game has been played for over a hundred years. Makes total sense. And what a coincidence; without the need to have a long kicker, that frees up a couple hundreds of thousands to low-millions to offer free agents and retain their over-priced talent.
Does this moron realize that he is talking about FOOTBALL!!!!! it may not be considered "America's Pastime" but I guarantee more people get involved in football than baseball and i wonder why... MAYBE THE CONTACT!!!! how is this guy still the comissioner?!?!? someone HELP THE SPORT OF FOOTBALL before this clown ruins it for good with a stupid rule like this!!!
leave football RULES alone :)
Leave Football Alone!! :)
this is stupid. make them better protected with the paddings dont change the game adn what we love about it.... if the kick off is changed then it wont be foot ball
Goodell is ruining this league. What a moron.
Wow this is a bs idea, this is what
Football is all about leave it how it is and stop changing rules ur making the sport weak. Just saying
So let me get this straight. After I score a touch down, I get the ball back on the 30 with a fourth and 15? Some teams may never give the ball up!