NFL rule changes 2023: Playing rules, bylaws, resolutions
Mar 29, 2023, 10:58 AM
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 08: A detail of the official National Football League NFL logo is seen painted on the turf as the New York Giants host the Atlanta Falcons during their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at MetLife Stadium on January 8, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
The NFL Annual Meeting takes place for many reasons, one of them being to discuss changes to the league put forth by franchises. This is year is no different, with 17 playing rules, three bylaws, and three resolutions getting approved by the NFL in Phoenix, AZ Tuesday.
While some have viewed the new league changes to be generally positive, others have pushed back. Particularly after the NFL voted to have some teams play an additional game on Thursday nights. Despite that, other rules like allowing the use of the numeral “0” on jerseys, have been met with sheer elation.
All in all, a successful league meeting, addressing some of the biggest issues from the previous season.
With that being said, here are some of the most prevalent playing-rules changes for the 2023 season.
NFL playing rules changes for 2023 just approved here at the league meeting. pic.twitter.com/IIDBWLj7kK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 28, 2023
- By the Philadelphia Eagles; amends Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2, to permit the use of zero (“0”) as a jersey numeral; to allow kickers and punters to use any jersey numeral between 0-49 and 90-99.
- By the Los Angeles Chargers; amends Rule 4, Section 6, Article 3 and Section 7, Article 4, to make the adjustment of the play clock following an Instant Replay reversal consistent with other timing rules.
- By the Houston Texans; amends Rule 15, Section 1, Article 2, to expand the Replay Official’s jurisdiction to allow for review on failed fourth down attempts.
- By the Competition Committee; to change the definition of a launch to leaving one or both feet.
- By the Competition Committee; to make the penalty for tripping a personal foul
- By the Competition Committee; to make the penalty for illegally handing the ball forward consistent with other illegal acts, such as illegal forward passes.
- By the Competition Committee; to make the penalty for illegal punts, drop kicks, or placekicks consistent with other illegal acts, such as illegal forward passes.
- By the Competition Committee; to prevent the offense from benefitting by an extension of the half as a result of their foul.
- By the Competition Committee; to clarify use of the helmet against an opponent by removing the “butt, ram, spear” language from Article 8 and incorporating those actions into Impermissible Use of the Helmet.
Click here for a complete list of 2023 NFL league changes. Stay locked in at Sactown Sports for all things NFL.
