The NFL’s adoption of fair catch rules on kickoffs similar to those used in the NCAA Tuesday morning inaugurated a new era in special teams. Now, any fair catch made before the return team’s 25-yard line on a kickoff will result in the ball being placed on the 25-yard line.
However, the rule has met with broad opposition, particularly with special teams coaches and players. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "special teams coordinators unanimously opposed the change," despite its ostensible implementation in the name of player safety.
Fans, too, mobilized on Twitter Tuesday to decry the rule change for a variety of reasons.
