Chiefs TE Travis Kelce slams series of 'stupid' NFL rule changes

The NFL is implementing several rule changes ahead of the 2024 season. Not everyone, including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is a fan of them.

Kelce called a couple of the rule changes “stupid” during a recent episode of his podcast “New Heights,” — a show that he does with his brother Jason Kelce.

First, Travis Kelce spoke about the NFL’s decision to allow an emergency third quarterback to dress. The change came after the 49ers had both of their active quarterbacks injured during a playoff game against the Eagles.

“In the spring meetings, they passed a bylaw originally proposed by the Detroit Lions allowing teams to dress a third quarterback. This is bull s***. This is such bull s***,” Kelce said.

In the game that led to the change, starting quarterback Brock Purdy injured his throwing elbow — which was later announced to be a UCL tear — leading to Josh Johnson taking over. Johnson then suffered a concussion and couldn’t return to the game. That led to Purdy playing quarterback while unable to throw the ball.

The Eagles won the playoff game 31-7.

“So just because of what happened in San Fran, alright. They’re basically saying if San Fran would have had a third quarterback they would have went to the Super Bowl,” Kelce said. “That’s what this means. That’s what they’re saying. If they would’ve had a third quarterback it would’ve been a game and they would have lost.”

The other rule change Kelce is unhappy with is a special teams rule change. On kickoffs when there is a fair catch or touchback, the ball will now be placed at the 25-yard line. Previously, it was placed at the 20.

“NFL owners have approved a proposal to start the ball on the 25-yard line on a fair catch of a kickoff inside the 25 and the goal line, or in the end zone,” Travis Kelce said. “I think this is absolutely stupid. I don’t think this is making the game more safer. I think it’s making it boring. And taking a lot of excitement out of the game’s opening play. This is whack.”

Lions coach Dan Campbell calls NFL kickoff rule changes ‘highly frustrating’

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce isn’t the only one who doesn’t like the NFL kickoff change rule.

Lions coach Dan Campbell called the move “highly frustrating” earlier this week.

“I’m highly frustrated, it’s very frustrating. But, look, I don’t make the rules. And so we’ve — if that’s the new rule, then we’ll live by the new rule. We’ll find a way to adjust, adapt and still get what we want. That’s what you gotta do. But I hate that we continue to take away from the game,” Campbell said.