Steelers return specialist blasts controversial fair catch rule

Pittsburgh Steelers return specialist Gunner Olszewski is among members of the NFL community speaking out against the new rule regarding kickoffs. 

"A bunch of people are trying to get rid of our part of the game," Olszewski said during mandatory minicamp, per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That’s how we feel about it. They feel like special teams are dangerous. Football is a dangerous game. You can’t ever take that out of it. I hate it for the game, but it’s the rule now. I’m just rolling with it." 

Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles running back and kick returner Boston Scott, Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and numerous coaches all criticized the NFL's decision to permit a kick returner to call for a fair catch anywhere inside his team's 25-yard line to have the ball placed at the 25. Individuals such as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell insist the change is meant to prevent concussions and other head injuries during games, but Olszewski pointed out he and his peers understand what they sign up for each time they take the field for a meaningful contest. 

"You can’t un-dangerous the game of football, in my opinion," Olszewski explained. "...Personally, I don’t like hearing guys who don’t sound like they understand football making decisions on our game. The [players association] doesn’t give us a chance to vote on anything like that. I’m not looking to complain about it. I hate it. I think it stinks for guys who are teamers and guys who try to go out and get jobs. They’re taking chances away from us." 

Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports wrote for a piece published on May 23 that the NFL is not attempting to eliminate kickoffs altogether, but Larry Holder of The Athletic and Jason Hoffman of the Cincinnati Enquirer suggested otherwise. What's done is done for 2023, and the NFL can make the new kickoff rule permanent next offseason. 

Barring an unforeseen development, NFL kickoffs as fans knew them likely won't exist in league games at some point in the near future, perhaps as soon as during preseason matchups held in August 2024.