Changes to NFL rules proposed
The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology adviser to the referee to assist the officiating crew.
The league also is looking at other rules changes, including an alternative to the onside kick.
NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes on Thursday. Owners will vote on the proposals at the upcoming league meeting to be held by video conference May 28.
The league's competition committee told teams last month it supports studying ways to determine how officiating personnel who have access to a video feed could help on-field officials. A booth umpire would serve as an eighth game official.
If owners don't approve adding a booth umpire and/or a senior technology adviser, the league could test a version of both rules in the preseason for possible future implementation.
The proposal that would give teams another option instead of an onside kick permits a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play. The kicking team would attempt a fourth-and-15 from its 25-yard line. This could be done a maximum of two times per game.
Several other rules changes will be discussed.
Owners are expected to drop the use of video reviews on pass interference after a one-year trial that caused as many headaches as it solved issues. The competition committee has recommended not renewing the rule that was put in place for last season.
Brady series on ESPN: Tom Brady's journey to each of his nine Super Bowls with the New England Patriots will be the subject of an ESPN series released next year.
Entitled “The Man in the Arena: Tom Brady,” the nine-episode series will include a look from Brady's perspective at the six NFL titles and three Super Bowl defeats he was a part of.