The 2023 NFL Season hasn’t even started, and the league already finds itself in the midst of controversy. While the NFL isn’t a stranger to controversy and criticism, the league now faces dissent from within itself. One of the league’s most prominent faces, the outspoken TE for the KC Chiefs, Travis Kelce, is the latest to dig into the league for the new rule changes set to take place this season. 

This comes just days after Chiefs HC Andy Reid called out the league for their decision-making process leading to the highly controversial rule change. The dilution of football is set to take place, as the NFL is deformed into ‘Flag Football’, determined the three-time Super Bowl-winning coach. But what rule change has led to this backlash? Let’s find out. 

Travis Kelce joins uproar against NFL rule changes

Appearing on his latest podcast episode alongside brother Jason Kelce, Travis took serious objection to the league’s new ‘fair catch rule on kickoff’, set to be implemented starting next season. Kelce slammed the league’s decision on his ‘New Heights’ Podcast, calling it ‘stupid’ and ‘whack’. 

“I think this is absolutely stupid, I don’t think this is making the game safe; I think it’s making it more boring and taking a lot of excitement out of the game’s opening play. This is whack.”

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The new kickoff rule will able players to call a fair catch on kickoffs, leading to the ball being placed on their own 25-yard line. The new rule, which is the equivalent of a touchback, will allow players to even claim fair catch if the kick return is just short of a touchdown. The rule has certainly drawn controversy around the league, with Kelce even stating that the change rules out the relevance of the special teams unit. 

Kelce slams league on latest ‘QB’ decision

Although Travis took serious exception to the ‘kickoff’ rule change, he wasn’t done with his rant against the league’s think tank. Regarding the new QB rules, which will allow teams to activate a 3rd ‘emergency’ QB in case of injuries to their starting and backup QB, Kelce was once again left dumbfounded by the league’s decision-making. 

“Such bullsh*t, they’re basically saying if the 49ers had a 3rd quarterback, they would’ve gone to the Super Bowl.”

While the Niners may have received an unwarranted stray from Kelce with his comments, Kelce only repeats the same sentiments which drew his own HC to bash the league. As for the NFL, Commissioner Rodger Goodell and the league have justified their stance by citing data, which shows that their new rule changes, especially the ‘kickoff’ rule, will play a significant role in reducing the rising injury and concussion risk for players. As the league continues to draw criticism, we’ll have to wait to see if it finally changes its mind.

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