Titans Mike Vrabel On Potential Punt Rule Changes

NASHVILLE - The NFL is considering making significant rule changes regarding punting, as the league's competition committee is discussing the changes this week during the owner's meeting in Arizona.

The competition committee comprises owners, general managers, and head coaches across the league, including Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Troy Vincent, head of football operations for the NFL, stated last Friday that the competition committee looked at various rules on kickoffs in college and the spring leagues to try to reduce injuries on what is one of the more dangerous plays.

Atlanta Falcons president and CEO Rich McKay, who chairs the NFL's competition committee, said on Friday the league is looking at several ideas to change the punt play in hopes of reducing injuries on punts, which currently has the highest rate of injuries and penalties.

The current rule change proposal involves placing the ball on the 25-yard line on punt touchbacks, like the current kickoff rule, hoping this will incentivize teams to go for it on 4th downs more often when close to the endzone.

On Monday, while speaking with the media in Phoenix, Vrabel was asked about the potential rule changes the committee is considering. His full comment can be seen in the video above.

Vrabel acknowledged that the rate of injuries on punt plays is "significant" and eluded to the "space and speed" of which those plays occur.

He and the remainder of the committee feel the need to change the rules to diminish the rate of injuries that occur on punts and better protect the players from significant injuries on such plays.

The members of the competition committee currently consist of the following.

Rich McKay (Chairman) – president and CEO, Atlanta Falcons
Katie Blackburn – executive vice president, Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Grier – general manager, Miami Dolphins
Stephen Jones – executive vice president, Dallas Cowboys
John Mara – owner, NY Giants
Ozzie Newsome – executive vice president, Baltimore Ravens
Frank Reich – head coach, Carolina Panthers
Ron Rivera – head coach, Washington Commanders
Mike Tomlin – head coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Vrabel – head coach, Tennessee Titans

Related Titans stories