Aaron Rodgers dislikes new PAT rule, says it threatens player safety

ByRob Demovsky ESPN logo
Tuesday, August 11, 2015

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Count NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers among those who don't like the new extra-point rule in the NFL.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback, who called himself a traditionalist, said he's against the new 33-yard extra point for one major reason.

"I think it goes against the league stance on player safety," Rodgers said Tuesday.

Rodgers doesn't deny that it could make the game more exciting, both strategically if more coaches opt to go for two and also because the ball is now live.

"It's now become a very important play, especially in the wintertime in Green Bay, when no field goal is guaranteed," Rodgers said. "And it doesn't go for just Green Bay. Any place that is cold or has rain or inclement weather, it's going to be an interesting decision. Do you go for the two-pointer from the 2 or do you go for a 33-yard field goal?

"And with that, the play's not dead anymore. If there's an interception or a fumble, you can return it. So I think you're bringing some player safety issues involved into that play. It could make it more exciting, but I still like the one-pointer from where it was at."

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