Over the years, the National Football League (NFL) has become known for its strict rules regarding player safety, leading to the banning of several plays that were once staples of the game. From chop blocks to helmet-to-helmet hits, and even horse-collar tackles, the league has made significant changes to protect its athletes. These kinds of plays, deemed to “endanger player safety,” have been obvious candidates for prohibition due to their potential immediate and long-term effects on players.
But what about the plays that were deemed exciting, innovative, or just plain fun? The NFL has often been nicknamed the “No Fun League” for its decisions to eliminate certain plays and celebrations that brought excitement to the game. Here are five notable rules that have been banned, showcasing the fine line between safety and entertainment.
Fumblerooski / Holy Roller
One of the most creative trick plays in football history is the Fumblerooski, where a player would intentionally place the ball on the ground, allowing another player to pick it up and run in the opposite direction, catching the defense off guard. This play has been banned since the late 1970s in the NFL, although it remained legal in the NCAA until 1992.
A famous example of this tactic is the Holy Roller, executed by the Oakland Raiders in 1978 to score a game-winning touchdown against the San Diego Chargers. The play was so impactful that it has become a part of NFL lore, with a version where the quarterback places the ball behind him still remaining legal today.
Jumping over the center
Another exciting play that has been banned is the ability to jump over the center to block field goals. This tactic was thrilling to watch, especially when players like Seattle Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner executed it with precision. However, the NFL decided to outlaw this move in 2017, citing concerns for player safety. Interestingly, there were no known injuries resulting from this style of blocking, leading many to question the necessity of the ban. Chancellor himself expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “No Fun League… How can you entertain if you are governed by people who never broke a bone before? #TheyDontUnderstand.”
Belichick’s clock loophole
In the realm of strategy, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick showcased his genius by exploiting a loophole in the rules. During a game against the New York Jets in 2019, the Patriots took a delay-of-game penalty, allowing punter Jake Bailey more room to kick. They then executed a false start to run down the clock further. Belichick, smirking on the sidelines, later remarked, “We were able to run quite a bit of time off the clock without really having to do anything. It’s a loophole that’ll be closed and probably should be closed. But right now, it’s open.” Ironically, this tactic came back to haunt him in the playoffs when the Tennessee Titans used the same strategy against the Patriots.
Drop-kick kick-off
The NFL also saw the banning of the drop-kick for kickoffs, a rare and exciting play that was executed by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. During a 2019 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tucker successfully pulled off a drop-kick for an onside kick attempt, which, although not recovered, led to a fair catch that granted the Ravens an extra timeout. After the play was banned, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh revealed that he had previously cleared the play with the NFL, only for the league to reverse its decision.
Penalty on Purpose
One of the more controversial strategies involved teams intentionally committing penalties to run down the clock. The Baltimore Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh, famously used this tactic in Super Bowl XLVII, where punter Sam Koch danced around the end zone, conceding a safety while his teammates committed multiple holding penalties to keep the San Francisco 49ers at bay. This strategy was so effective that it led to a significant victory, but it was ultimately banned due to its questionable ethics and the potential for abuse.
Player Reactions
While the NFL’s commitment to player safety is commendable, the reactions from players and fans have been mixed. Many players feel that the bans take away from the excitement and creativity that make football thrilling. Fans often echo these sentiments, expressing their disappointment over the loss of unique plays that have defined the sport’s history.
In a league that thrives on competition and innovation, the balance between safety and entertainment continues to be a contentious issue. As the NFL evolves, it remains to be seen how these rules will shape the future of the game. Will the league find a way to protect its players while still allowing for the creativity and excitement that fans crave? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the spirit of the game will always find a way to shine through, even amidst the rules.
