Former NFL punter-turned-media-mogul Pat McAfee knows a thing or two about special teams, and he "hates" plans by the league to dramatically change kick-off return rules.
Kick-off rules have gradually changed over the years to improve safety, but the NFL competition committee is eager to implement new regulations with proposals to allow kick returners to call a fair catch and have the ball placed at the 25-yard line, which would reduce the incentive to attempt a return.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports a vote on the new rule will take place at the league's spring meetings in Minneapolis on Tuesday. While the competition committee is in favour, special teams coordinators are unanimously against the changes – which could remove elements of strategy from the game.
