The NFL Spring League meeting starts on Tuesday in Minneapolis, where all 32 team owners are anticipated to cast their votes on several important rule changes and resolutions ahead of preparations for the 2025 season.
While there are many minor operational tweaks that won’t significantly alter the game, two substantial rule amendments are likely to pass—changes that could have a notable impact on the upcoming 2028 Olympics.
Rule Change 1: Another Vote for “Tush Push”
The NFL’s most debated play is back for another vote after previous discussions about banning the “Tush Push” play couldn’t reach a consensus among owners.
This proposal was put forth by the Green Bay Packers, who argue that since the play was introduced in 2004, it has become an integral part of football. The proposed rule would revert to language that existed prior to 2005.
The rationale behind the proposed changes centers around “player safety” and maintaining the “pace of play.” While a ban was approved during winter meetings, some committee members raised concerns that the wording may unfairly target specific teams that frequently use the play.
There is an indication that this revised wording could pass this time around. It may significantly affect teams like Philadelphia and Buffalo, especially as more teams are considering adopting the “Tush Push,” something NFL leadership wishes to avoid.
This raises the question—will it pass? It seems likely, but opinions are divided. Owners are wary of making it seem like only a couple of teams are being singled out, even though many support preventing its spread. To do that, they may need to act quickly.
Rule Change 2: Reseeding Teams After the First Round of Playoffs
This proposal, introduced by the Detroit Lions, aims to downplay the importance of winning divisions for home-field advantages in the playoffs. Initially, the idea was that all playoff seeds would be determined based on records rather than divisional victories; teams like the Buccaneers and Texans would still secure a playoff spot based on their division.
The original proposal did not pass, prompting Detroit to bring it back for discussion.
The latest suggestion is to maintain the current wildcard seeding in the NFL playoffs but reseed the teams for later rounds based on regular season records rather than honoring division champions throughout. This will not impact the 2024 playoffs but serves as a precaution against situations like a 12-5 team being at a disadvantage against a 10-7 division champion.
Will this change pass? Probably not. The owners seem reluctant to embrace reseeding, as they aren’t keen to make drastic alterations compared to last year. The NFL appears focused on ensuring that their top teams generate more home playoff games, but this move falls short of achieving that goal.
Proposal: Allowing NFL Players to Compete in Flag Football at the 2028 Olympics
When the Los Angeles Olympic Committee and the IOC announced that flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics, the question arose about whether the NFL would permit its players to take part.
Currently, owners are hesitant to let athletes participate in non-NFL events, but a vote is expected on Wednesday that could allow players to compete while still part of their NFL teams.
Could this pass? Yes, there are some concerns about injuries in less contact-heavy situations, but NFL ownership views the Olympics as a prime opportunity to promote football globally. The league is looking to expand internationally, and showcasing its top athletes during the Olympics could pave the way for that goal. This change is anticipated to pass without significant opposition.
