In recent years, there has been a lot of debate surrounding kickoffs in the NFL with some believing that the league should eliminate the play entirely or make some radical changes due to an increased risk of injury stemming from the high-speed collisions. But Roger Goodell does not sound all that interested in getting rid of kickoffs.
During his annual commissioner’s press conference on Monday night ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, Roger Goodell made his decision on kickoffs pretty clear, revealing that he does not plan to get rid of the play any time soon.
“I thought this rule was necessary for the one year because we need to innovate,” Goodell said during his press conference according to Pro Football Talk. “To find a way to keep the kickoff in the game. It’s an exciting play, it’s important for us, the same as punts, but when you see a higher injury rate for that play, you can’t ignore that.”
Obviously, this is a pretty significant decision from the commissioner, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.
They always just say there’s a higher rate of injuries, but we never see the statistics or proof but I’m glad he wants to keep the kickoff. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the game.
— Connie Carberg (@ConnieScouts) February 6, 2024
It’s becoming a relic of the past that’s getting harder and harder to explain and justify
— The Laughing Storm (@Michael62403808) February 6, 2024
XFL kickoff. Better chance of a return, lower impact for everyone, and less of a high speed collision on returner as he’s being tackled.
— Todd (@todd_ray) February 6, 2024
Fix the onside kick rule…players should be able to run when the kicker starts running
— Canadian at Heart (@canadianatheart) February 6, 2024
Just keep it in, boom problem solved
— PhillyRed (@PhillyRed5) February 6, 2024
Go back to the way it originally was?
Just a thought— Michael (@XxXWatts83XxX) February 6, 2024
We’ll have to see what sort of changes the league makes to kickoffs in the coming years as they attempt to make them as safe as possible.
