Devin Hester not happy with NFL’s new touchback rules

Say, did you remember that the NFL is moving kickoff touchbacks to the 25-yard-line this year? Devin Hester did, and he’s none too pleased.

“It’s like taking away a job from people,” the Falcons return man told ESPN, and by “people” he means himself. Hester is one of the most notable return men in NFL history, boasting five kickoff returns for touchdowns and a dramatic TD return to start Super Bowl XLI.

The kickoff is one of the most dangerous routine plays in the NFL, with two teams running full-tilt toward one another from a distance of many yards. The NFL has sought to cut down on the possibility of injury with a number of rules changes, including banning running starts by the kicking team and moving the kickoff line up to the 35 in 2011.

As a result, ESPN noted, the touchback percentage went from about 16 percent in 2010 to 56 percent last year. It’s all part of a creeping reduction in kickoff importance that could one day result in kickoffs being banned entirely.

Hester dismisses the idea that kickoffs are unduly unsafe. “I got a concussion making a block at receiver,” he said. “But I never got hurt taking hits back on kickoffs.”

Hester averages 24.9 yards per kickoff return, which means he’s in effect a human touchback as it is. He’s also willing (and permitted) to run out any ball that’s not kicked into the upper deck.

Of course, there’s a case to be made that the new rule will make kicks less safe, not more, as kicking teams explore ways to get around giving the receiving team an extra five yards. The rule change is established for one year only, and the NFL will reassess after the season. You know how Hester’s going to lean.

____
Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.