The NFL in 30 years

Instead of asking questions, tell me all the things that have changed that make such a fundamental difference. Did the NFL sneak another man on to the field or something?

 

You can't hit the quarterback below the waist.

You can't hit the quarterback above the neck.

You can't run 2-a-day practices.

You can't wedge block.

You can't hit a player who isn't aware of the impending hit.

You can't get a running start on kickoffs.

Coaches can issue a replay challenge up to 3x a game. All scoring plays and turnovers are reviewed automatically.


Shotgun has become a base offensive formation.


Nickle has become the base defense.


Long snappers are a protected position, and none of them play offensive or defense anymore.


Quarterback is a protected position for all intents and purposes.


You can't put your hands in the face of an offensive lineman.

You can't "taunt" an opponent.


There are practically zero full contact practices in season.


Coaches can't talk to players in the offseason.


Some rookie offensive lineman have never been in a 3 point stance.


Some rookie quarterbacks have never taken a snap under center.


Teams are allowed to activate players off of injured reserve.


Group celebrations are not only allowed, but encouraged and actually rehearsed during practices.


Players are summarily pulled out of games and evaluated for concussion at the official's discretion.


Players are frequently placed on IR for concussions.


Onside kicks have became virtually impossible to recover.


Extra points are frequently longer than field goals.

 

I read all of that and say, "So what? The typical fan doesn't really care about most of that list, if not all." The league will be around in 30 years, and we'll be old and grumpy about it, but it will be around and the game will look a lot like it does today. Maybe a little more towards grass basketball, but it will look a lot like it does now.

Pendulums swing.

 

Most items on that list have fundamentally changed the way the game is played. They're not minor tweaks. Also, I hope you realize I'm using hyperbole by saying players will be wearing dresses.

 

I read the list again, and respectfully disagree about a fundamental change to the way the game is played. As a result of some of the rules, you certainly will favor one set of plays over another--for example the shotgun formation, which is not a rule change but a reaction to one. The rules right now make it more difficult for the defense, so we're looking at higher scoring games, but eventually adjustments will be made. The highest scoring season in NFL history was in 1949, not 2018.

I think that some of the changes are pretty good--the new extra point distance is an example. Helmets that reduce concussions are another positive change. I wish they would outlaw those stickum gloves just like they got rid of stickum.

In 30 years, the teams will line up 11v11, with the same number of linemen and skill positions. Odds are that one or two teams will have had enough success with a certain offensive scheme that most of the rest of the league is now trying to emulate them. And unless they go overboard with the SJW stuff, or shit on fans another way, I'll probably still be watching and bitching about how things aren't like they used to be.

 

Okay. God bless.

 

Games will be 48 minutes.

 

I will point out that we've already successfully brainwashed several of these guys into wearing pink for an entire month.



At the very least, there will eventually be players and coaches wearing lipstick and eyeliner. That will be a thing. It will be for trans rights or what have you.

 

I'm also tired of the over-the-top military tributes. If I hear that Lee Greenwood song one more time I'm going to burn an American flag.



Let's just do football.

 

The actual biggest impact on the game over the next 30 years will come from AI-assisted play calling.