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Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has expressed his discontent with the new rule changes implemented for the 2023 NFL season.
Kelce, known for his outspoken nature, first criticized the Kickoff Rule Change, labeling it as “Absolutely stupid.” He then turned his attention to the new emergency 3rd quarterback rule, dismissing it as “Such b*******.”
https://twitter.com/nfldov/status/1661819289513459712
The NFL’s decision to adopt a new kickoff rule, allowing kick returners to call a fair catch and subsequently start the offensive drive from the 25-yard line, has generated significant backlash within the football community.
On their New Heights podcast Travis and Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce, joined the growing chorus of dissenters, condemning the league for what they perceive as the erosion of one of the game’s most thrilling plays.
Expressing his frustration, Travis asserted, “I think this is absolutely stupid, I don’t think this is making the game safe; I think it’s making it more boring and taking a lot of excitement out of the game’s opening play. This is whack.”
Jason agreed, saying he believes it diminish the role of special teams in the NFL and even questioned why kickoffs should remain in the game at all if they serve no practical purpose besides ceremonial displays.
The NFL has cited player safety as the primary justification for the new kickoff rule. Commissioner Roger Goodell referenced data indicating that kickoffs pose a higher risk of injury than any other play.
Despite facing resistance from special teams coaches and players, the league proceeded with the rule change, emphasizing the need to address the inherent dangers while striving to maintain an exciting and safe game.
In addition to his criticism of the kickoff rule, Travis Kelce voiced his dissatisfaction with the emergency 3rd quarterback rule, suggesting that it was implemented due to the 49ers-Eagles NFC Championship game in the 2022 season.
Travis remarked, “Such b******, they’re basically saying if the 49ers had a 3rd quarterback, they would’ve gone to the Super Bowl.”
The emergency 3rd quarterback rule allows teams to activate a third quarterback during a game under specific circumstances, such as when both the starting and backup quarterbacks sustain injuries.
Kelce’s comment reflects his belief that the rule change implies the outcome of important games can be determined by the availability of an additional quarterback, which he finds questionable.
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the impact of these new rule changes, including the kickoff rule and the emergency 3rd quarterback rule, remains to be seen.
The league will continue to assess the consequences of these modifications, seeking a balance between player safety and the preservation of the captivating elements that define football as a beloved sport.