Kickoffs have been a source of concern for NFL medical staffs due to an increased likelihood of concussionsGetty Images
The NFL is "finalizing plans for a summit to continue an unprecedented offseason discussion about player safety," and the May 1-2 meeting will "include a focus on the future of the kickoff," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. The kickoff has "long been a source of concern for NFL medical staffs." The league's competition committee "sounded new alarms in March after receiving data that showed concussions were five times more likely to occur on kickoffs than other plays." An attendance list for the summit, held at NFL HQ in N.Y., has "not yet been finalized." In addition to former players, the meeting is "expected to include team executives, along with current and former coaches." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell "frequently convenes similar cross-discipline summits" (ESPN.com, 4/22). ESPN's Mike Greenberg said, "This is the biggest issue facing pro football today, and they recognize they have to do something in a significant way about player safety. Otherwise they’re going to have a real problem getting young kids to play." But ESPN’s Damien Woody said, “They’re teetering on the path of changing the game completely. There’s nothing like scoring -- kicking the ball off, and someone runs it back. It’s a total momentum changer. That’s what you are taking out of the game right now” (“Get Up!,” ESPN, 4/23).
OPPOSING VIEWS: In San Diego, Nick Canepa wrote under the header, "Soft NFL Would Be Even Softer If Kickoff Returns Got The Boot." It "won't be long" before football will be like the Super Bowl's NFL Experience attraction. Canepa: "Soft cones. Cotton candy. No hitting. Foam helmets. Non-contact games." The NFL, "rightfully running scared from the head injury repercussions, has been doing its best to pillow the blows which lead to lawsuits." But eliminating the kickoff would "change the complexion of the game." It is "impossible to remove all the violence from football" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 4/22). Meanwhile, PFT's Mike Florio said he is "amazed" the NFL has kept kickoffs "around as long as they have." Florio: "The NFL has decided for a period of time now, years, to get rid of the kickoff, and I think the kickoff has been systematically gutted to the point where we're not going to be upset when it goes away." Florio added the league has "come to the conclusion that it's the most dangerous play in the game." Florio: "When you have the powers-that-be who are responsible for the sport continuously calling it 'the most dangerous play in the game,' how do you not get rid of it?" ("PFT," NBCSN, 4/23).
