This is just a terrible idea, hope it doesn't get any legs. Changing the kickoff has pretty much gotten rid of any real returns anyway.
Are kickoffs (especially on-side kicks where everyone is trying to get the ball instead of hit each other) really that much more injury-prone than regular plays?
Players are running at full speed from *both directions* typically, and often times end up getting hit with their guard completely down or blindsided. It is more dangerous for sure. An onside kick is 10 yards and a cloud of dust, not as bad.
how about penalizing players for unnecessary roughness for "de-cleating" someone? i love the hard hits as much as the next person as long as they are on the player with the ball. to me knocking the crap out of someone who isn't looking is too much. block them enough to impede their progress. you don't need to go full speed trying to end his season with a vicious hit.
The real question here is.... "How much more crap is Roger Goodell going to pull, before fans actually stop watching games?"
Given that the NFL is more popular than ever, I don't think what Goodell has done actually has taken away net enjoyment of the game.
I will agree with this until JJ Watt is inevitably flagged for farting on Tom Brady this Monday Night.
I initially hated the idea. Thought about it, and liked it - trying to convert a 15 yard play as an 'onside' seems more exciting than an actual onside. I'd like to watch more football in those circumstances, less special teams. But then I thought about some BS personal foul penalty resulting in a team getting an automatic first down and I was back on the hate idea. (Pass interference/defensive holding on the conversion attempt as well.)
This is a distraction from Roger "I'm only going to take 11mm in salary this year instead of 13 mm while we lay people off cuz its a recession " Goodell to make it appear as if he and the rest of the league give a **** about player safety. They don't care. Kickoffs aren't the problem - hitting is the problem.
Having to view his smarmy face and listen to his sanctimonious blather while he amasses a fortune from being in the right place at the right time off of a bloodsport negatively impacts my conscience.
What has he done that has caused people to stop watching games or consider stopping? Isn't the NFL as popular as ever.
There's no need for this. A kick off is perfectly fine. Like someone has already said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
