NFL Kickoff Rule

One of the new rules enforced by the NFL this season was the new kickoff rule. Teams now have to kickoff from the 35 yard line, rather than the 30. This rule was enforced because of the issue of players safety. The league believes that by moving the ball up 5 extra yards, it will leave the returning team much less room and time to return the kick, thereby decreasing the amount of injuries.

I personally believe that this rule is pointless. The whole point of football is to get in their and expect to be hit. At the start of the game, you want to see your favorite teams best kick returner receive the ball and have the ability to run up the field for a nice gain. Kneeling down in the end zone to take the touch back is disappointing. After watching the Packers - Saints opening game last night, you could see how riled up the players were when they didn't get the chance to return the kick. I understand that the Commissioner wants to keep the players safe, but the whole point of watching football is to see the big hits. I'm sure many players feel the same way. The Saints running back, Darren Sproles exactly that way. You could see every time he received the kick and kneeled down in the end zone that he wanted nothing more than to return it.

I recommend that they change this rule back to how it was. Players will get injured no matter what in the game of football, so they might as well just give them the chance to play for the fans. There's nothing worse then seeing constant touch backs after each score in a game. Fans and players would be much happier if they changed the rule back to how it was.