The game of football is loved by millions of people with the rules that it has today. Unfortunately, Roger Goodell doesn’t realize this. With each new rule being more atrocious than the next, Goodell is slowly pushing people away from the NFL.
Yes, some rules probably need to be amended as the game of football evolves. That is absolutely true. But ruining the game with too many amendments is not the correct approach. Goodell has already diminished the game with rules that give offensive players an unequal advantage. Wide receivers frequently get away with pushing off to catch the ball, but if a cornerback breathes too strongly, a pass interference penalty is immediately assessed. Touching the quarterback is probably the greatest offense a defender can commit and apparently, Goodell is trying to make it punishable by death. James Harrison is cowering somewhere.
These bogus rules have already negatively impacted the NFL, but they are acceptable, unless other rules pile on top. The rules that have already been established are piling up, but hopefully somebody can take the power out of Goodell’s tyrannical hands before the pile tips.
Eliminating the kickoff is seriously being proposed? Isn’t it enough that the kickoff was moved to the 35-yard line and most of the fun was taken away? Football is a violent game, but apparently Roger Goodell did not realize this when he accepted the job of NFL Commissioner. Some might even think that the violence is the best part about the game. There is no way to eliminate injuries unless the basic principle of tackling is removed. This is the case with all contact sports. Injuries happen and eliminating some of the injuries with one stupid rule is not going to eliminate the inevitable injuries that occur in other facets of the game. With some of the most athletic people in the world colliding at extremely fast paces, injuries are bound to occur.
No matter how hard he tries, Roger Goodell can’t make football a soft game. Many NFL veterans have voiced similar opinions about the NFL becoming soft. Lions WR Nate Burleson had this to say: “I remember going across the middle my rookie year and thinking, ‘I’d better keep my head on a swivel because anybody can come and knock me off.’ Nowadays, you can pretty much run around as much as you want, and a guy can’t put his hands on you past five yards” (CBS Detroit).
Rules have changed so much that even the officials can’t keep up with them sometimes. Rules that most people have never even heard of are being employed and impacting the outcomes of crucial games. For example, had anybody heard of the “Calvin Johnson Rule” before it was announced during the Lions-Vikings game in 2010 in Week 1? Clearly Calvin Johnson had secured the catch and had both feet in the end zone for a touchdown, but he placed the ball on the ground to get up and celebrated too quickly, causing the Lions to lose the game. Who else is tired of hearing Mike Pereira emphasize the great importance of maintaining control throughout the process of the catch?
Flag football is simply not as exciting to watch as the physical game of football. If Roger Goodell wants to preserve the NFL and keep raking in his $44.2 million every year, he better let go of his constant urge to make new NFL rules.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @alprez96. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Football writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo:
