On Tuesday morning, the NFL approved a new rule change that will go into effect during the 2023 season. 

The rule states that the ball will automatically be placed at the 25-yard line on any fair catch inside a team's own 25 on a kickoff or safety kick. The move went through, even though NFL special teams coordinators were unanimously against the decision.  

NFL owners approved the resolution putting the ball on the 25-yard line following a fair catch on a kickoff, I’m told.

Special teams coordinators unanimously opposed the change, but it’s happening.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2023

Special teams coordinators were not the only ones speaking out against the decision. Cheifs' punter Tommy Townsend quickly came out on Twitter to share his thoughts on the rule change. 

Not good for football for many reasons… but let’s pass something that players and coaches are so clearly against?? https://t.co/XZxlUNllNC

— Tommy Townsend (@tommy_townsend) May 23, 2023

Townsend responded to Pelissero's tweet: "Not good for football for many reasons… but let's pass something that players and coaches are so clearly against." While some coaches and players may be upset, the intentions behind the rule are good. The NFL claims this rule will lower concussions and improve overall player safety.

Speaking on the new fair catch rule, NFL exec Jeff Miller cites higher concussion rates on kickoffs and punts relative to other plays and says unprompted: “There may be more to come.”

Modeling says return rate will drop from 38% to 31% and concussion rate drop 15%, Miller says.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2023

If the rule change lowers concussion rates as much as the NFL believes it will, players and coaches may grow to appreciate it sooner rather than later.