Could the NFL take a page from the CFL? In recent player safety discussions at the owners meetings, the idea of widening the field was discussed, according to Jay Glazer of The Athletic.
Currently, the NFL field is 53 1/3 yards wide. Over time, players have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger, but offensive playmakers have the same amount of room to avoid hits in the open field. Widening the field, potentially, would go a long way towards protecting the ball carrier.
In the CFL, the field is not only longer, but also about 12 yards wider. It’s not clear whether the NFL would be willing to go that far, or if NFL owners would be willing to absorb the cost of the potential revamp. However, with the collective bargaining agreement set to expire soon, this could be an opportune time for a change.
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