Let’s Even The Playing Field.

By: ExcellentStudent27

03/05/2024

Being a major football fan most of my life, I’ve developed a deep passion for the game and its stingy rules. Whether it be a pointless tug on an opposing players jersey or the slightest movement before the snap of the ball, rules are rules, and no matter how pointless or one sided they are, they all play a purposeful role in ensuring equal play for both sides. Except for one. The one rule I can’t wrap my head around is the current rule for being the first team to score in overtime. For those who don’t follow the NFL, currently in overtime a coin is flipped, and the winner of the toss gets to elect to either kick the ball away to the other team or receive the ball themselves for a chance to score. If the team that elects to receive the ball ends up scoring a touchdown on that very drive the game is over and they have won. This leaves the team who kicks the ball away no chance at competing for the win on their record. 

As rules are created to ensure fair play from both sides of the football, I can’t seem to find out why the NFL thought this rule fit that criteria. Statistics prove that 62.5% of NFL games that extended into overtime in 2020 ended with the team winning the overtime coin toss on top. Some may argue that it is eerily close to 50% given my claim that it is unfair to the team who loses the coin toss. But in 2012 that same statistic rose to 71.4%. How would you feel if your team only had a 28.6% chance of winning? 

My proposal lies in the current rules of overtime in the NCAA. Both teams have the opportunity to score, regardless of who gets the ball first. They enter a shootout format where they get the ball from the opposing team’s 25 yard line and have to score, if both teams succeed they alternate 2 point conversion attempts until one fails. Statistics show that the outcome of these games are nearly split 50/50 with a slight advantage toward the home team. Much more even than what was presented above. The idea of these rules meet the criteria of making the game fair for both teams, and adds a more exciting factor to the game.

Beyond the statistical and narrative implications, the proposed shootout-style overtime format holds potential benefits that extends beyond the confines of the game itself. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable playing field, such a reform has the capacity to resonate with a broader spectrum of fans, thereby enhancing the NFL’s appeal to fan bases across the country.

Moreover, the adoption of a shootout-style overtime could serve as a catalyst for increased fan engagement and participation. The heightened drama and suspense  in this format are likely to keep an exciting factor in the game, drawing in casual viewers and avid fans alike. This, in turn, could translate into greater viewership numbers and revenue streams for the league, leading to long-term sustainability and viability.

Furthermore, the implementation of a fairer and more exciting overtime format has the potential to enhance the NFL’s reputation as a progressive and forward-thinking organization. Which is yet another good look for the league. It gives them values that sports fans across the world look for.

In conclusion, the proposal to adopt a shootout-style overtime format in NFL football represents a significant opportunity to enhance fairness, excitement, and inclusivity within the sport. By drawing inspiration from the collegiate model and embracing innovative approaches to overtime, the NFL has the potential to elevate the game to new heights of popularity and relevance. With thoughtful consideration and strategic implementation, the NFL can pave the way for a more vibrant, equitable, and captivating future for the sport of football.

References

Chris Jones. (2012). The New Rules for NFL Overtime. Mathematics Magazine, 85(4), 277–283. https://doi.org/10.4169/math.mag.85.4.277

Lindner, J. (2023, December 16). NFL overtime coin toss statistics [fresh research] • gitnux. GITNUX. https://gitnux.org/nfl-overtime-coin-toss-statistics/

Reisman, J. (2022, January 29). 63% of NFL fans think the overtime rules need to change. Pride Of Detroit. https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/1/29/22907708/nfl-overtime-rules-63-percent-fans-change-proposals

Team, F. T. D. (2022, January 25). NFL overtime rules: Should the league consider Adopting College Football’s OT format? FOX 29 News Philadelphia. https://www.fox29.com/sports/nfl-overtime-rules-college-football-overtime-formatWilson, R. L. (2020, July 14). College football overtime outcomes: Implications for in-game decision-making. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frai.2020.00061/full