The New England Patriots recently found themselves in a new controversy when users on X noticed that the team created an optical illusion for opposing kickers during field goals. While it’s definitely sneaky, is it illegal?
According to the letter of the NFL rulebook, the answer is no.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe did a deep dive into the rulebook and found that the tactic does not violate any rules for video during kicks. Volin even shared the exact language of the rules:
“Video During Kicks — All video and ribbon boards must show either a static image (e.g., no flashing images, blinking effects, moving text/images, etc.) or an All-22 view (e.g., high sideline, high end zone, etc.) during field goal attempts and extra-point attempts. Any flashing, moving, or blinking text/images displayed on video boards or ribbon boards during field goal attempts and extra points are considered a violation of this policy. The prohibition will begin when the kicking team reaches the line of scrimmage and continues through the signal by the Game Officials following the kick.”
Moving Forward
The Patriots realized some years ago with their former kicker Stephen Gostkowski that they could unsettle a kicker by showing a screen of the field goal during an attempt. As a result, the team doesn’t put anything on the screen at Gillette Stadium when they’re kicking field goals but turn it on when their opponents go to make a kick.
There is evidence that Gillette Stadium is substantially kinder to its own kickers than opposing kickers, but it’s hard to make a direct connection to the optical illusion.
Ultimately, we’re either going to see opposing teams start doing it more or see a push to have that kind of tactic excluded in league rule change proposals moving forward.
