If I controlled the NFL

[Blue Falcon]

If I ran the NFL:

1. No team would be allowed to wear white jerseys at home. PERIOD.

2. Teams can wear throwbacks/alts 1-2 times a year.

3. There would be a designated Throwback Weekend.

4. The Thanksgiving games would rotate. I am sick of seeing Dallas & Detroit.

5. The UNI-forms will no longer be allowed. No more all-blue Seahawks or Bills, or all-black Jaguars, Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, etc.

6. The Super Bowl ring would be renamed My Precious.

7. If I ran the NFL, I would construct an unassailable tower with a balcony on the 280th floor, so I can look down on the world of football and my Villain Laugh will echo through all the stadiums of the NFL: MWAHAHAHAHA!!

[BuddyLane]

Sorry guys. Even I knew, "Bring Back The Vet", was being severely sarcastic in his first thread on here. I brought some buddies to my desk to laugh histerically at it. That was funny.

Anyway, I thought this thread was about what you would do if you owned the NFL. Personally, I am a huge football fan and I could careless where you celebrate it. I mean if you want to watch the on the field celebration knock yourself out. If not, change the channel or go home. I just like to hear the final game results and highlights.

As per, "If I Owned The NFL", I would make a lot of changes. For starters:

1. A players forward momentum is stopped only after the player is tackled. I think that if a running back keeps getting pushed backwards then he isn't stopped until he is tackled. After all, he can break away and run the ball back the other way for a touchdown. Unlikely, but possible.

2. Get read of the candy@&& rule that says if a quarterback slides he is down. Screw that. He isn't down until he is tackled. If he is going to run like a running back, flatten him. I know, I know. "The rule is there to protect the quarterback." Well back in the beginning of football, there was no such rule. Hit'em!!!

3. I agree with no chop blocking, BUT I still like the clothesline tackling moves that use to be used.

4. No fair catch on punts or kickoffs. Hey! This is football, not soccer.

That's my 2 cents.

[Michigan Dave]

Sorry guys. Even I knew, "Bring Back The Vet", was being severely sarcastic in his first thread on here. I brought some buddies to my desk to laugh histerically at it. That was funny.

Anyway, I thought this thread was about what you would do if you owned the NFL. Personally, I am a huge football fan and I could careless where you celebrate it. I mean if you want to watch the on the field celebration knock yourself out. If not, change the channel or go home. I just like to hear the final game results and highlights.

As per, "If I Owned The NFL", I would make a lot of changes. For starters:

1. A players forward momentum is stopped only after the player is tackled. I think that if a running back keeps getting pushed backwards then he isn't stopped until he is tackled. After all, he can break away and run the ball back the other way for a touchdown. Unlikely, but possible.

2. Get read of the candy@&& rule that says if a quarterback slides he is down. Screw that. He isn't down until he is tackled. If he is going to run like a running back, flatten him. I know, I know. "The rule is there to protect the quarterback." Well back in the beginning of football, there was no such rule. Hit'em!!!

3. I agree with no chop blocking, BUT I still like the clothesline tackling moves that use to be used.

4. No fair catch on punts or kickoffs. Hey! This is football, not soccer.

That's my 2 cents.

I agree to an extent with your points...except the fair catch. On punts, guys would get killed. Part of my responsibilities are to field punts for the punters as they warmup. The height and hang time these guys get is sick. Combine that with the speed of the gunners, and catching punts- which in itself isn't the easiest thing- would be cause for hazard pay. As a former option QB, I agree with you about the sliding. Nancy Boys slide.

[Gary]

4. The Thanksgiving games would rotate. I am sick of seeing Dallas & Detroit.

and this is why you don't run the NFL. This is at least one tradition I like to see as a Lions fan. Plus it does rotate between 2 teams that have to play Dallas and Detroit. As a Lions fan in Arizona, you may only see them 1 or 2 times a year. Seeing them on Thanksgiving brings pride to me when I see them play.

[HatCityEnforcer]

I got the sarcasm BBTV was bringing to the table...probably one of the more effective answers to a silly proposition I've seen in a while

Also, if you're getting your undies in a knot over on-field trophy celebrations (which I have no problem with), you really need to re-assess a few things in your life..as in, there's a lot more things that deserve change than a trophy presentation, but I digress....

Anyways...here's what I would do "If I Controlled The NFL" (this could also apply to any other league with slight changes)

1.) Alts would be limited to 1 time a year in the regular season and would be banned in the post-season.

2.) There would be a designated Throwback Weekend across the league that all teams could participate in and the jerseys would researched and made to be as exact of replicas to the throwback the team is using.

3.) All uniform & logo revisions would have to pass a blue ribbon panel of the top designers the league could find (hmmm...probably have a few candidates that reside here )

4.) The RBK logo would go on the back of the jersey just above the nameplate only (a la the NHL and some CFL teams) and would off the pants completely. Also, the NFL shield would reduced to it's early-mid 90s size on the collar and would be off the pants entirely as well.

5.) Super Bowl teams would continue to wear the patch on their game jerseys (heck, if they can do it for the World Series, the Stanley Cup Finals, and the NBA Finals, they can do it for this as well...besides, it's a badge of honor signifying your team MADE it to the ultimate game and doesn't clutter it up, IMO).

6.) Coaches would have the option of wearing a suit on the sidelines instead of branded material. A team emblem pin would be given to the coach to wear on his jacket lapel (like NCAA coaches do with whatever shoe company is the endorsement deal).

Gameplay wise...

1.) No more fair catches

2.) Ability to run back missed FG attempts that are not blocked

3.) Change OT to one where both teams have a chance with the ball instead of it being sudden death. If it's not settled after 15 minutes, it's a tie. Playoffs would still be multi OT affairs if needed.

Other than that, I'd leave it pretty much as is...

[buzzcut]

In terms of Uniforms...

1: No whites at home. That means you Cryboys.

2: Reebok patch moved to the back of jersey, but remains on the pants.

3: NFL Equipment remains on yoke of the collar.

4: Pants must contrast with jersey top.

5: NFL teams must use approved logo designers if they want to change their looks

6: Maximum use of 2 games for alternates.

7: Thanksgiving weekend will be a mandatory throwback week.

8: The Mike Nolan Rule; Coaches would be permitted to wear suits on the sidelines.

Playing rules....

1: NO KICKERS!!! You go for it on 4th down every time.

2: Coin Toss replaced by XFL-style race to the ball

3: Kickoffs replaced by long-distance throw from 30-yard line.

4: Time will be runoff for all sacks.

5: Touchdowns worth 7 points.

6: Extra points worth 2 points and must be run in or passed.

7: The Rouge will be introduced, but will apply on throws after touchdowns.

8: NCAA overtime rules to be used.

9: Weight limit of 280 lbs.

Fan Experience...

1: Preseason tickets to be 50% off the regular season prices.

2: Super Bowl ceremonies remain on the field.

I wish I could do more, but that's enough for now.

[Ron Mexico]

You're what's wrong with sports.

You suck at life.

[Thierry Henry]

5. Super Bowl victors will celebrate in the locker room where they belong, not on a platform at midfield. Why football and baseball changed this I have no idea. It sucks, and it's a slap in the face to tradition.

I agree! Screw the fans - why should they get to cheer their team on after they win a championship! Fans only pay for 60 minutes of action anyway, why should they get to witness a celebration for free? Win the game, then get the F off the field so we can all just go home.

Absolutely. The 5th idea is rediculous.

And, buzzcut, pretty much all of that is rather rediculous, especially the XFL rule (There's a reason it didn't work out), the 280 weight limit, and the no kickers.

[slapshot]

1) Last time I checked, a missed FG can be returned. Didn't this happen a few years ago on a Sunday or Monday night? The kicking team kind of wandered off to the sidelines because they thought time had expired, and the DB who recovered the missed kick ran it all the way back for a TD.

2) Time runs off on all sacks? Doesn't it already?

3) Alts can be used at home only, unless they're throwbacks.

[FiddySicks]

1) Last time I checked, a missed FG can be returned. Didn't this happen a few years ago on a Sunday or Monday night? The kicking team kind of wandered off to the sidelines because they thought time had expired, and the DB who recovered the missed kick ran it all the way back for a TD.

2) Time runs off on all sacks? Doesn't it already?

3) Alts can be used at home only, unless they're throwbacks.

Yup. Like 107 yards returned by someone from Baltimore maing Denver look like dumbasses. Not to mention Ray Lewis making the hugest hit on a block ive ever seen

[HatCityEnforcer]

1) Last time I checked, a missed FG can be returned. Didn't this happen a few years ago on a Sunday or Monday night? The kicking team kind of wandered off to the sidelines because they thought time had expired, and the DB who recovered the missed kick ran it all the way back for a TD.

2) Time runs off on all sacks? Doesn't it already?

3) Alts can be used at home only, unless they're throwbacks.

Yup. Like 107 yards returned by someone from Baltimore maing Denver look like dumbasses. Not to mention Ray Lewis making the hugest hit on a block ive ever seen

Ah, the Ed Reed highlight reel special...

Thought that was off of an INT deep in the endzone...

[Cyclopsis Joe]

Season ticket holders of Super Bowl winning teams get free lap dances for one year at any participating gentlemen's club.

Judging by your avatar, you'd have a long time to wait on that free lap dance.

[BCBoy]

1) Last time I checked, a missed FG can be returned. Didn't this happen a few years ago on a Sunday or Monday night? The kicking team kind of wandered off to the sidelines because they thought time had expired, and the DB who recovered the missed kick ran it all the way back for a TD.

2) Time runs off on all sacks? Doesn't it already?

3) Alts can be used at home only, unless they're throwbacks.

Yup. Like 107 yards returned by someone from Baltimore maing Denver look like dumbasses. Not to mention Ray Lewis making the hugest hit on a block ive ever seen

Ah, the Ed Reed highlight reel special...

Thought that was off of an INT deep in the endzone...

I may be WRONG but I thought it was Chris McCallister returning the all the way...

[mac]

If I ran the NFL...

Teams would have to go through me in order to get a uni/logo change.

The Bengals would still be wearing their uniforms from the 80's

I would allow ridiculous full team premeditated endzone celebrations

I would get rid of the nets behind field goals and let the fans catch the ball and keep it.

I would put in a rule that says that your dark alternate jersey must be worn with your regular home pants. This is for teams like the Ravens, Bengals, Titans, Jags who all think they have to wear colored pants with their alt jerseys.

I would turn the Lombardi trophy into it's own version of the stanley cup, sections would be added on every year.

I would make teams write out what are their home uniforms and what are the road uniforms and then force them to stick to it. No mixing and matching jerseys and pants.

I would put in a rule that says that if your going to have a stripe up the side of your jersey it must match up with the stripe on your pants. It looks stupid when it doesn't.

[quantum]

My list, Part2:

The preseason would be two weeks long. To accomodate the shortened preseason, the roster for week one would be 60 players. At week 4, the roster would be cut to 53 players. The trade deadline would be pushed out to week 8.

I would allow a handful of teams to either sport a throwback uniform on one week or a alternate jersey on one week. That's it.

The alternate jersey is no longer limited to the current team colors, but the colors chosen would be approved by the commissioners office.

Each team is guaranteed one possession in overtime.

A missed extra point can be returned for a single point. A turnover on a 2pt conversion can be returned for 2 points.

That's all for now

[OB33]

1) Last time I checked, a missed FG can be returned. Didn't this happen a few years ago on a Sunday or Monday night? The kicking team kind of wandered off to the sidelines because they thought time had expired, and the DB who recovered the missed kick ran it all the way back for a TD.

2) Time runs off on all sacks? Doesn't it already?

3) Alts can be used at home only, unless they're throwbacks.

Yup. Like 107 yards returned by someone from Baltimore maing Denver look like dumbasses. Not to mention Ray Lewis making the hugest hit on a block ive ever seen

Ah, the Ed Reed highlight reel special...

Thought that was off of an INT deep in the endzone...

I may be WRONG but I thought it was Chris McCallister returning the all the way...

McAllister ran back the FG attempt against the Broncos on MNF w/ the sick Ray Lewis block.

Ed Reed had a 106 yd. INT return on SNF in a black leotard.

[BBTV]

I would turn the Lombardi trophy into it's own version of the stanley cup, sections would be added on every year.

Great idea, maybe too late to actually do it though.

[Intimidator85]

Here's what I would do:

1. Change the overtime format. Both teams should be guaranteed a possession. Either both teams will kick the ball off or a team can take over after a turnover from the other team. If the game is still tied after all that, then it's a tie.

2. Go back to three divisions in each conference. I don't like this eight-division setup very much. Team schedules as a result are just about the same as another team in your division. Plus, there's too much of a disparity should your team and another in your division tie for the best record in the conference. If going back to six divisions means one or two teams have to go, then so be it.

3. The Ravens and Colts have to trade logos. Though Ray Lewis wouldn't look right with a horseshoe on his helmet and Peyton Manning is out of place wearing purple, I think the city of Baltimore should have the Colts name and logo back. "Indianapolis Ravens" doesn't sound that bad when you say it.

4. In addition to the Thanksgiving games, I'd also schedule a Christmas game every year. Sorry, but Dallas and Detroit would continue to host the Thanksgiving games. I'd search for a permanent home for the Christmas game. Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, New York, Green Bay and Chicago seem like pretty good places to me.

5. Monday Night Football will begin one hour earlier. Sorry, but West Coasters probably miss the kickoff anyway at a 6 PT time, as they're either stuck in rush hour traffic or are having the family meal. At least those back east can stay up and watch the game with it ending about 11 ET. For that matter, I'd put MNF back on network TV where it belongs.

6. I would discourage teams from trying to build new stadiums. It used to be that just about every team had a distinct home field that had some sort of character. Now, some of these stadiums look about the same, especially the domes. These new stadiums are not as unique from one another as some of the newer baseball stadiums that have been built recently. I haven't been to the new Soldier Field yet, but I think it's a shame you can't see those pillars in the background anymore.

7. Team celebrations are not real problems. Individual celebrations are. I'd fine and/or suspend players who perform outrageous endzone celebrations. Sharpies, grabbing a homemade sign, snatching a cheerleader's pom poms and talking on cell phones would be outlawed. I don't want to turn it into the "No Fun League," but some celebrations are just out of hand.

8. I'd tell some of the cheerleaders to tone down the uniforms. Don't get me wrong; I like attractive women just as much as anyone else. However, some cheerleading squads have uniforms that reveal too much. Some uniforms are tastefully done, though.

9. I'd encourage the officials to call offensive pass interference more often. On roughly half the passing plays, the receivers get away with things that give them too much of an advantage. Yet, the officials hold their whistle while if a defensive back even sneezes the wrong way, he gets flagged. Officials should be fair and not favor the offense.

10. New Orleans will host a Super Bowl at least once every five years, and Miami will host one every five years. I'd also bring a Super Bowl back to either the Rose Bowl or the LA Coliseum. It's good to see the Super Bowl get out to other cities, but New Orleans and Miami probably do the best jobs in hosting the Super Bowl.

11. I don't think I could actually have any control over this, but I'd set a deadline for players to be signed to their teams, especially rookies. I'd set the deadline to be ten days before training camp. If the player is not signed, the case would go before a judge and then I'd determine whether the team or the player should be punished. That way, you don't have holdouts in the summer that make the league look bad, as teams and players are forced to hammer out deals.

12. "Guarantee" money for the players. I'd set it up so teams can't just rip up a contract without buying out the player for at least a small sum. This way, players can't complain "our money isn't guaranteed." Everybody leaves with something, unless the player quits, retires or does not live up to the language in his contract.

There's probably more I'd change, but that's all I can think of for now. All the other changes concerning the uniforms ultimately are important to me, but not most other fans out there. Also, having the trophy presentation on the field is a good idea.

[sekuloguy]

11. I don't think I could actually have any control over this, but I'd set a deadline for players to be signed to their teams, especially rookies.

You don't have control over anything, because you don't run the NFL.

[twi]

My rule changes.

1. All teams have to have a throwback/third jersey, and must wear all possible combos of pants and jerseys at least once a year.

2. Cap on rookie salaries. If there is one now, I'd make it much smaller.

3. MNF starts one hour earlier.

4. Steelers put a logo on the other side of their helmets.

5. At least one cold weather Super Bowl would be held, further ones would be pending.

6. Concessions and parking are less money.

Probably more that don't come to mind right now.