The NFL actively seeks to be “in the news” 365 days a year. In looking to meet that objective, this is the time of year when the NFL owners adopt new rules for the upcoming season; that comes from an annual meeting of the owners at this time every year. This year, there will be five rule changes and one surprising rule that will not change.
The rule that will stay allows for the Tush Push. Last year, a ban on the Tush Push came within one vote of passing; I thought for sure that meant the end of the Tush Push this year but that was not the case. As far as I can tell from reports, the idea of banning never came before the owners for a vote; so, I guess the sentiment is:
- Long live the Tush Push.
The five changes this year are interesting, but none will change the game to the extent that the so-called Dynamic Kickoff changed the game. Here are the changes:
- After a score, the kicking team can declare an onside kick at any point in the game. Previously, the kicking team had to be behind in order to try an onside kick and even then, it had to be in the fourth quarter of the game.
- Eliminate the incentive for a kicking team to kick the ball out of bounds intentionally when kicking off from the 50-yardline.
- Modify the receiving team alignment on kickoffs
- League folks can consult with on-field officials on matters related to ejections for things like flagrant fouls or non-football acts.
- For 2026 only, the NFL Officiating Department can overrule clear and obvious mistaken calls on the field.
Let me parse these quickly:
- I am not sure this change is a big deal; teams in the lead do not try a lot of onside kicks.
- This only affects kickoffs that come after a 15-yard penalty on a scoring play preceding the kickoff. This is a good idea; it probably will not happen often.
- The alignment modifications are immensely arcane; no fan viewing at home will discern a significant change in the game as a result of this rule change.
- This is a great idea; when a fight breaks out, officials upstairs can view the play and see who started it and who retaliated and who deserves punishment(s). The officials on the field often do not get to see the “whole picture”.
- The last rune change is there in case the NFL has to go with “Replacement Refs” again due to stalled negotiations between the NFL and the Referees’ Union.
Moving on … Surely, you have read about or seen pictures of the recent “two-car accident” involving Tiger Woods. He was arrested over the weekend on charges of DUI and refusing to take a DUI test; not surprisingly, he made bail and is out and about. At no point between the time of the accident and the present did I think Tiger Woods would be sentenced to jail for this accident and that whatever charges were brought against him would either be dismissed or pleaded down to something trivial.
I also said to a neighbor on Monday of this week that I fully expected an announcement that Tiger Woods would be “seeking therapy” and that he would be taking time to heal and to recalibrate his life. As if on cue, here is the headline for an article at CBSSports.com:
- Tiger Woods will seek treatment following DUI arrest, stepping away from golf days before 2026 Masters
And here is how Tiger Woods articulated his current predicament and what he was going to do about it:
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work towards lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Question:
- Did he miss any of the touch-points for prepared statements in situations of this kind?
What is the “Over/Under” for how long he will be in “treatment” before he emerges “healthier, stronger and more focused”? If I set the date at May 10th, I’ll take the UNDER.
Finally, since today is April Fool’s Day, let me close with this from Mark Twain:
“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.”
But don’t get me wrong, I love sports………
I think the kickoff rule from last year is one of the most significant rule changes of the last decade for NFL football. And a good onside kick is always entertaining.