Patriots’ Matthew Slater rips NFL’s new kickoff rule and questions league’s dedication to participant security

Patriots

“I simply don’t imagine that that is actually within the identify of participant well being and security.”

The Patriots were reportedly one of five teams to vote towards a controversial rule change relating to kickoffs for the 2023 season.

Following Wednesday’s OTA apply session at Gillette Stadium, Patriots captain and special-teams ace Matthew Slater didn’t mince phrases when it got here to his ideas on the league’s amended directive.

Per the brand new rule, all honest catches and touchbacks will come out to the 25-yard line on kickoffs this yr, with the league reportedly citing participant security because the driving power behind the change.

The NFL has handed a brand new rule instituting all honest catches and touchbacks come out to the 25-yard line on kickoffs, supply mentioned. Now the identical as the school rule, the thought is that this could make it safer, although particular groups coaches across the league oppose the change.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2023

Slater disagreed with such sentiment, particularly given the opposite avenues the place participant security has largely been neglected with a purpose to maximize revenues for the league.

“It’s my understanding that the powers that be assume that that is going to enhance participant security and well being, and I’m simply not satisfied that our league is at all times going to do what’s in the very best curiosity of our gamers,” Slater mentioned. “I perceive that we need to scale back head accidents and issues of that nature, however we don’t at all times act as if participant well being and security is paramount.

“We will speak concerning the Thursday night time video games. That’s a straightforward one; that’s low-hanging fruit. However we are able to additionally speak concerning the points that our gamers expertise after they go away the sport. Why is it that now we have to struggle for healthcare past 5 years out of the sport? Why is it that when gamers go to file for advantages when it comes to incapacity, they’re having to leap via hoops nonstop? Why is it that we’re persevering with to struggle the battle that we’re combating about grass versus turf?”

Matthew Slater on new kickoff rule: “I am simply not satisfied that our league is at all times going to do what’s in the very best curiosity of our gamers… I do not imagine that that is actually within the identify of participant well being and security” pic.twitter.com/SVjCWkSDqN

— NBC Sports activities Boston’s Patriots Protection (@NBCSPatriots) May 31, 2023

Given Slater’s position because the chief of New England’s special-teams unit, it comes as no shock that the 37-year-old objects to a rule that would plant the seeds for the NFL to finally eradicate kickoffs solely down the street.

“I have a look at this recreation, it’s been performed for over 100 years, and it’s clear to me that they’re making an effort to eradicate this play,” Slater mentioned. “They mentioned they’re making the play safer, however the actuality is that they haven’t accomplished a single factor to make the play safer. They haven’t modified the foundations. They haven’t modified the methods. There are nonetheless going to be collisions that happen if the ball’s not fair-caught.

Slater added: “I’ve regarded on the rule adjustments, and a few of them have been good. I’ve been part of eradicating the two-man wedges and issues like that. However on this case, I simply don’t imagine that that is actually within the identify of participant well being and security.

“What I do imagine is we need to painting ourselves a sure method to the general public, to [reporters], that claims we care concerning the gamers. …. I perceive that, and I do know that folks will have a look at this and say, what’s the massive deal? However I perceive for a participant like myself, I wouldn’t have had a profession, most probably, with this play.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Invoice Belichick didn’t provide a lot when it comes to his ideas on the rule change.

“We’ll see about all that,” Belichick mentioned. “I do know Coach [John] Harbaugh is fairly concerned in that, [and] Coach [Andy] Reid. I believe they’ve voiced some feedback on that. I most likely agree with issues they mentioned.”

Granted, Slater greater than obtained his level throughout when it got here to his candid feedback relating to the league’s new ruling. 

“If we’re actually involved about participant security and well being, let’s discuss a number of the actual points which are going to affect participant security and well being,” Slater concluded. “Let’s not discuss a play the place over 99% of the time, when the ball’s kicked off, is injury-free. These are the info. These are the stats. You’ll be able to go look them up your self.”