Kickoff change has been approved by the competition committee

[Cat'sGrowl]

He has openly stated he would like to play/make impacts anywhere he can, including kickoff. This is fairly common information from the interviews nfln did during the combine.

"I don't want to play kick (off) returner in the NFL -- too much exposure,’’ Peterson said. “So I believe I'll be better and more of a threat at punt return. Obviously, that's where I scored twice this year. No kickoffs."

[Catalyst]

Rhys Lloyd just filed for unemployment.

[OchoNueve]

1993 was the last season in which the NFL kicked off from the 35. In 1994 they bumped it back to the 30 to allow for more returns and more excitement. Looks like we can expect a significant decrease in return stats.

1993 - 68.4% KO's returned

1994 - 88.4% KO's returned

1993 - 4 KO returns

1994 - 14 KO returns

2010 - 23 KO returns

[Kettle]

Mike and Mike this morning talked about how much Cribbs and Hester hate this as well as some others like Leon Washington. I stand by statement that PP7 lost some value with this. Maybe not as much as those other guys, but at least a little. And what now of Armanti Edwards. Our 33rd pick is looking even better now huh.

[Hawk]

ya KK...was just going to say...good thing we just extended Leon Washington!

Why they would want to promote more touchbacks, I'll never know...hate the rule. safety reasons - come on...it's a man's sport played by millionaires!!!

[pantherclaw]

Like I said..it goes against what he said at the combine.

Wonder if he'd tell his future coach no, if he was asked to do so.

You are right, that it doesn't affect his value in the draft.

[PackPanther]

So because kickoffs aren't super exciting for us we shouldn't hate the rule? I'm pretty sure most here watch more than just Panther's games. So taking away exciting plays from other teams still effects us as fans. Not to mention Goodson had a return that was exciting until the flag was thrown.

Congrats to Goodson, he had one almost good return. and before that we were so excited when we actually got one to the 50 yard line. And yes I watch other games, but Panthers are above everyone else in importance so why should I can if Hester or Cribbs doesnt get a return for a touchdown. It doesnt affect me.

That being said it probably will get reversed in a few years. and by then we will might actually have a kicker who can do both and a returner who really scares people, but now we dont have either

[CatMan72]

This is why it sucks that owners vote and coaches have no say.

Coaches had a say, but it is ultimately the decision of the owners.

[CatMan72]

This is good news for us, our specials teams have mostly sucked... and it may cause us to no longer have to carry a 2nd kicker for Kasay.

It also means you no longer have to use roster spots on as many special teams specialists like Senn, Wallace Wright, etc... can use some of those spots on guys who can make broader contributions.

[JJT]

do we have a person who can kickoff and kick field goals at the same time?

The first time someone tries that he'll land flat on his ass.

[fjblair]

It's a bad move and if they're not careful they are going to ruin the game with all the safety bs. It's football, deal with it. Next year kick returners will need a note from mommy to let them play.

[Mr. Scot]

Coaches had a say, but it is ultimately the decision of the owners.

Valid, but when I say "say" (say), I mean "vote".

[Mattiekrome]

One other rule change (per Florio). The league established that green is the official color of all NFL football fields.

No Boise State type blue fields, and no painting the field some other color for marketing purposes.

Well FK, there goes the idea of an all black field w/ all black unis.

[BoJangles34]

I feel bad for Brad Smith. He's a free agent and his value just dropped drastically I'd guess