NFL will no longer allow Patriots to use video board to confuse opposing kickers
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Patriots used their video board to create an optical illusion by displaying video of the goal posts behind the actual goal posts, confusing opposing kickers during field goal attempts.
- This tactic was previously legal because the video was only shown when the opponent’s kicker was on the field, not their own kicker.
- The NFL has now mandated that video board displays during field goal attempts must be identical for both home and away teams, either showing a live All-22 angle or a static image throughout the game.
- A memo sent to all 32 teams on September 7 warned that failure to comply with this new rule will result in league discipline.
- The Patriots’ tactic was revealed by former NFL analytics staffer Ryan Paganetti, who noted that other teams like the Eagles considered it but were limited by their stadium’s video board placement; this practice is now banned league-wide.
