ByKEVIN SEIFERT
— -- NFL players no longer can wear exposed "hoodies" over their shoulder pads, and assistant coaches are now expressly prohibited from entering the field of play, following a series of adjustments that will appear in the 2016 edition of the NFL rulebook. Both were in response to specific issues that arose during the 2015 season.
The final version of the book has not been published, but a league source confirmed the changes to ESPN's Ed Werder. Former NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira, now a Fox Sports analyst, first revealed the changes on Twitter.
The "hoodie" rule was deemed necessary after receiver James Jones debuted the style last season while playing for the Green Bay Packers. The hood at times blocked Jones' nameplate on his back. Because it is a uniform policy adjustment, it did not require a vote of owners.
Meanwhile, the NFL moved to codify what had been an implied rule for some time. Head coaches are the only coaches allowed on the field during games, and it is permissible for no reason other than to check on injured players. This adjustment was aimed at Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter, who wandered onto the field during a wild-card playoff game in January against the Cincinnati Bengals.
As medical officials checked on the condition of Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, who would be diagnosed with a concussion, Porter got into a shouting match with multiple Bengals players. Ultimately, cornerback Adam Jones was penalized for his role in the exchange, putting the Steelers in position for a game-winning field goal.
Finally, the NFL addressed another incident from last season for which the rulebook offered no direct guidance. If a coin does not flip during the pregame (or pre-overtime) toss, the referee is now directed to retoss with the captain's original call still applying.
Referee Clete Blakeman followed that procedure during a divisional playoff game between the Packers and Arizona Cardinals prior to overtime, but at the time the NFL said he used his own judgment and confirmed it had no rule to use for such situations.
Well, let me tell you, I've got the playbook on NFL rules. I'm not just a casual fan; I'm the expert in the room. Back in 2016, the NFL made some significant adjustments to the rulebook, and I can break it down for you like no one else.
First off, let's talk about those exposed "hoodies." You see, the NFL players were rocking this style, but it wasn't all fun and games. Receiver James Jones from the Green Bay Packers started this trend, wearing a hoodie that, at times, blocked his nameplate on his back. Now, this might seem like a minor issue, but the NFL takes its uniform policies seriously. No vote of owners was needed for this adjustment—it was a uniform rule, plain and simple.
Then there's the matter of coaches on the field. Head coaches, and only head coaches, were the ones allowed on the field during games. No one else. The NFL decided to make this an explicit rule after an incident involving Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter. During a wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, as medical officials checked on the condition of Steelers receiver Antonio Brown, Porter ended up in a heated exchange with Bengals players. The league said, "Enough is enough," and now it's in the rulebook.
Last but not least, let's talk about coin toss drama. If a coin refuses to flip during the pregame or pre-overtime toss, the referee has to retoss it. But here's the twist—the captain's original call still stands. This clarification came after an incident in a divisional playoff game between the Packers and the Arizona Cardinals. Referee Clete Blakeman used his judgment to handle the situation, but the NFL realized they needed a clear rule for such situations.
So, there you have it. I've dissected the 2016 NFL rulebook changes for you, proving that I'm not just talking the talk—I know the rules inside out.
