THE NFL has announced two major new rule changes for the 2025 season.
Despite the next campaign still being five months away, league bosses have been hard at work.
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One major change will pertain to overtime.
Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, both teams will now be able to possess the ball during overtime in the regular season.
This will see regular season overtime periods more resemble those of the playoffs.
But unlike the NFL playoffs, regular season overtime periods will remain at 10 minutes.
Responding to the news, one fan reacted, “Should literally just play out the 10 minute extra period. Football shouldn’t end suddenly imo.”
While a second wrote, “I wish they didn’t put a cap on the time, but I suppose if they’re adding more games; all works out in the wash.”
A third claimed, “Long overdue!”
Another added, “It makes sense to go beyond the luck of a coin flip.”
The overtime amendment was not the only rule change approved by team owners.
Referees will now be able to call upon replay assistance for more plays.
Replay assist will overturn penalties whereby there is “clear and obvious video evidence”.
The Detroit Lions had pleaded their case for another rule change to pass regarding punishments for defensive holding and illegal contact.
But their proposal did not pass.
Adam Schefter of ESPN posted on X, “Detroit’s proposal to eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact did not pass, despite the Lions’ pleas.”
One fan responded, “Of course not. Offense offense offense..”
While a second added, “Not surprising. I don’t think most coaches would be behind that change.”
