During the NFL’s first full weekend of preseason games, there was an unusual result due to the new kickoff rules. Chiefs returner Mecole Hardman fielded a ball at the 1-yard line while kneeling in the end zone, expecting it to be a touchback because the ball had bounced in the end zone.
However, under the new rules, such a ball is now live, and by fielding it as he did, Hardman created a safety.
After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid wanted a clearer explanation of the rules. On Monday, Reid mentioned that Hardman should have picked up the ball and run with it, and that it’s their job to ensure the rules are well understood. This situation helped clarify the rule for everyone involved.
Reid commented, “I think it was good for the officials to see it, I think it was good for us to see it.”
He noted that while they understood the rule about the ball being live if it goes into the end zone, it was important to clarify that it is not like the sideline rule where a player can be out of bounds and then reach back in.
Other teams likely found it useful to see how the situation unfolded for the Chiefs, as the rule is new and the detail about a ball landing in the end zone hadn’t been as well-publicized as other rule changes this offseason. This example will help others understand what to avoid in similar situations.
