ORLANDO, Fla. – John Fassel, the Dallas Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, found himself in a pivotal moment as he emerged from the Ritz-Carlton ballroom with a pencil behind his ear. He was tasked with presenting a new kickoff proposal at the NFL owners’ meetings for the first time. Alongside New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, Fassel spent Sunday advocating for the revival of the kickoff play, emphasizing its significance to the league.
The proposal, aimed at increasing kickoff returns and reducing injuries, entails changes such as eliminating the running start of the kickoff team and incentivizing kickers to drop balls into a designated landing zone. This zone, stretching from the goal line to the 20-yard line, mandates that any kick landing within it must be returned. The proposal seeks to address the decline in kickoff returns over the years and inject new life into the game.
Competition committee chairman Rich McKay highlighted the stark statistics that underscore the need for a revamped kickoff strategy. In 2010, there were 416 touchbacks and 45,000 return yards compared to 1,970 touchbacks and just 13,000 return yards in the most recent season. Fassel emphasized the growing sense of ennui among players and fans due to the lack of excitement in kickoff plays, underscoring the need for change.
The crucial vote on the kickoff proposal was set for Monday, with Fassel expressing cautious optimism about its prospects. However, uncertainties loomed until the final moments of the meetings as deliberations continued among team owners. In a bid to appease hesitant owners, the competition committee amended part of the original proposal, adjusting touchback rules to a more palatable field position.
Fassel’s unwavering belief in the new kickoff rules is palpable, fueled by his early appreciation of the play’s potential during the XFL’s implementation of a similar rule in 2021. As the meetings unfolded, discussions around potential tweaks to the proposal surfaced, reflecting a commitment to fine-tune the proposal for optimal impact. The NFL’s evolving landscape demands innovation, and Fassel stands firm in advocating for a bold move towards change.
Amid concerns over declining scoring averages, McKay emphasized the proposal’s potential to enhance scoring and field positioning in games. Fassel’s confidence in the proposal’s alignment with the league’s goals for increased scoring speaks volumes about its prospects. With a strong emphasis on adapting to the changing dynamics of the game, Fassel’s persistence in championing the new kickoff rules underscores a vision for a future that prioritizes excitement and strategic gameplay.