vikings.com

2025 NFL Owners Meetings to Consider Playoff Proposal & Rule Changes

Topic: Preparation of Kicking Balls

The Vikings, Ravens, Browns, Texans, Raiders, Eagles and Commanders collectively submitted a proposal to allow teams to prepare kicking balls ("K-balls") before game day.

Currently, teams are allowed to condition game footballs used by the offense. Teams take 24 of those to each game, but clubs do not receive the "K-balls" until a 60-minute window before games. Equipment staffs have that limited amount of time to condition those footballs the way their specialists like them.

The proposal would involve sending 60 "K-balls" to teams before training camp to allow conditioning of the footballs over time. Teams would then bring three "K-balls" to each game to present for inspection along with the other footballs.

The reason listed is "to eliminate a burdensome and unnecessary process on game day."

Topic: Scouting Policy

Washington also proposed a resolution change to allow postseason qualifiers the opportunity to request scouting credentials for Weeks 17 and 18 that involve a potential postseason opponent. The Wild Card Round would also be included in the proposal.

Note: The NFL's Competition Committee also will present proposals for consideration.

One is to make permanent the kickoff rule implemented in 2024 but change the spot for a touchback from the 30 to the 35-yard line of the receiving team.

Another would allow an expansion of instant replay to include the ability to advise the on-field officials on "specific, objective aspects of a play and/or to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.

Read full news in source page