Falcons return specialist won't let rule change alter his game

Atlanta Falcons Swiss Army knife Cordarrelle Patterson said on Wednesday that he's not going to let the NFL's rule change regarding fair catches and touchbacks change how he plays.

"Honestly, we had this talk as a team, really, and they know I'm going to bring it out," Patterson said on NFL Network. "No matter where the ball is kicked at, coach is giving me the green light, no ifs ands or buts. That’s what I bring back there. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help my team gain that momentum on offense."

The change will see fair catches made anywhere between the goal line and the 25-yard line result in the ensuing drive starting at the 25.

The Falcons' return specialist, running back and wide receiver set the NFL record for most career kickoff return touchdowns last season when he brought back his ninth return for a score on a 103-yarder.

"It's coming out," Patterson said. "So, make sure your kicker (knows) how to kick it through the end zone."

The 32-year-old has made four Pro Bowls and been named First Team All-Pro four times across his 10-year career with five teams since being selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

Patterson averaged 31.6 yards on nine kickoff returns during the 2022 campaign and has posted a career average of 29.5 yards on 266 attempts. He also added 817 yards from scrimmage (695 on the ground) and eight rushing scores last year.

A host of prominent coaches and players across the league have sharply criticized the rule change (which is being instituted on a one-year trial run), including longtime New England Patriots co-captain Matthew Slater. The Patriots veteran special teamer holds the NFL record for most special teams Pro Bowl selections with 10 and has been named First Team All-Pro twice as well.

One of the other outspoken critics was Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who said that the league shouldn't be taking "too many pieces away or you'll be playing flag football."