The most controversial rule in the NFL and College Football is the fumble touchback rule. If you aren’t sure what that is, it is the rule that essentially says that if an offensive player fumbles the ball into the endzone and the ball goes out of bounds, it becomes a turnover and a touchback for the opposing team.
This rule has caused plenty of controversy over the years as many fans feel that it should be treated like any other fumble that falls forward and goes out of bounds: returning to the spot of the fumble. However, at the same time, advocates for keeping the rule say that it is one of the most exciting plays in the game and it can turn the game completely around for both teams.
Regardless, it was a hot topic for many fans coming into the offseason, but according to a Bleacher Report article, at the top level of the sport, the issue isn’t getting much traction.
There is Not a Lot of Traction From the NFL
The report from Bleacher Report was very short and brief, yet it got the message across. The entire article reads as follows:
A change in the rules surrounding fumbles out of the end zone doesn’t seem likely next season.
Per NFL.com’s Judy Battista, there is “not much traction” regarding the rules about fumbling through the end zone. According to Battista, the Competition Committee discussed it on Monday and the feeling is that “it’s the ballcarrier’s responsibility to protect the ball.”
The play, which doesn’t happen frequently, results in a touchback, awarding the possession to the defense.
In other words, it is something that is being talked about but not something as critical as other issues that are still being discussed, including kickoff rules, onside kick rules, and tackling regulations.
Why the Rule is Under a Microscope
This past season in the Divisional Championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills there was a moment that very easily could have cost the Chiefs the game. Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman lost the ball while falling toward the endzone with about 12 minutes left in the game. The call was really close and was reviewed, but the call was upheld, and the Bills were given the ball down 27-24.
One has to wonder if the Bills had won the game if the Chiefs and other teams would be pushing for this rule change more. Typically, in the past, rule changes were expedited and changed quickly when a flaw or controversial rule cost a team a game.
This was the case when reviewing pass interference after it cost the Saints a chance to go to the Super Bowl in 2019 or the 2022 overtime rules changing in the Playoffs after the Chiefs beat the Bills, and the Bills never even had the ball on offense in overtime.
However, for at least one more year, this NFL rule ultimately did not cost a playoff team the game, so it will likely be put on the back burner for another year.
Get More Coverage on College Football and the NFL
For more of the biggest storylines of College Football or the NFL, click here or follow me on X at @BYU_Gameday.
