Raiders Legend Tim Brown Reveals the One Arena Football Rule He’d Bring to the NFL: No Kickers

Tim Brown, one of the most iconic wide receivers in NFL history, spent 16 legendary seasons with the Raiders organization, first in Los Angeles and later in Oakland. As a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, a member of the NFL’s All-1990s Team, and an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Brown’s career is one marked by excellence, even in the absence of a Super Bowl ring. With 1,094 receptions, 14,934 receiving yards, and 100 career touchdowns, his on-field production speaks for itself.

Now, after retiring from the NFL, Brown is staying involved in the sport in a new way. He currently serves as the chairman and commissioner of The Arena League (TAL) — a 7-on-7 indoor football league with six teams that offers a faster, more condensed version of the traditional outdoor game. Arena football, with its high-scoring nature and unique rules, is often seen as a testing ground for innovative ideas, some of which could influence the future of the NFL.

During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams show hosted by Kay Adams, Brown was asked a fun but thought-provoking question: If he could bring one rule from The Arena League to the NFL, what would it be?

Without hesitation, Brown gave a surprising answer:

“Getting rid of kickers.”

No Kickers, No Problem?

Elaborating on his position, Brown said, “We have no kicking in our league. Getting rid of kickers. I owned an arena football team years ago, and kicking was the worst part of the game. The goalposts were narrow, the accuracy was low, and it just wasn’t exciting. It slowed everything down.”

In The Arena League, instead of kickoffs and field goals, teams execute what’s called a “throw-off,” where the ball is thrown downfield to initiate possession. It’s a faster, more dynamic start to play that fits the league’s fast-paced environment.

“Now we have a throw-off,” Brown continued. “These guys literally throw the ball, and it’s the best thing ever. It keeps the energy high, it keeps the game moving, and frankly, it’s a lot more fun to watch.”

While Brown admitted that the idea of eliminating kickers from the NFL is far-fetched, he made it clear that from a purely entertainment standpoint, the change would do wonders for the game’s pacing and viewer excitement.

“I know it would never happen,” he added with a laugh. “I have a lot of friends who were kickers in the league, and they were great at what they did. But if you’re looking at making the game more exciting and fast-paced, removing kicking definitely achieves that.”

NFL Has Already Begun to Experiment

Interestingly, the idea of modifying or eliminating certain aspects of the kicking game isn’t completely foreign to professional football.

The NFL has already made several changes to kickoffs in recent years in an attempt to reduce injuries and increase safety. From moving up the kickoff spot to reducing the number of returns, the league has signaled that it’s open to evolving the role of the kicking game.

In fact, the new 2024 kickoff rule, which mirrors the XFL’s approach, places players just five yards apart to limit high-speed collisions. The rule is being tested to create a safer environment while still maintaining the strategic element of kickoff returns.

Likewise, the United Football League (UFL), which recently merged the XFL and USFL, has done away with traditional extra points altogether. Instead, teams must attempt conversions from the 2, 5, or 10-yard line to earn 1, 2, or 3 points, respectively. It’s an innovation aimed at increasing strategic depth while doing away with what many consider a relatively automatic play.

A Receiver’s Perspective

As a wide receiver, it’s perhaps not surprising that Brown would lean toward a more offense-driven, high-scoring version of football. Arena football gives skill position players like receivers and quarterbacks more opportunities to shine, and the absence of kicking places even more pressure on offenses to convert on every possession.

Brown’s disdain for the kicking game isn’t new either. During his time as a team owner in the old arena football format, he saw firsthand how the kicking game could frustrate fans and players alike. Missed field goals, narrow goalposts, and long delays during special teams play all contributed to a choppy rhythm that conflicted with the league’s fast, free-flowing style.

Now, as commissioner of The Arena League, Brown has the power to shape the game according to that vision. His league offers a version of football that emphasizes speed, scoring, and constant action — and, if he had his way, that philosophy would extend to the NFL.

Can the NFL Change That Much?

Still, it’s unlikely the NFL would ever completely eliminate kickers. Players like Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, and Evan McPherson are integral parts of their teams, often deciding close games with long field goals under immense pressure. Special teams, while sometimes overlooked, play a huge role in field position, momentum, and game strategy.

But that doesn’t mean Brown’s suggestion is without merit. At a time when the NFL is already exploring creative ways to modernize and protect players, it’s not out of the question that elements from arena football — like the throw-off or strategic scoring options after touchdowns — could one day find a place in the league.

Whether or not the NFL ever says goodbye to kickers, Tim Brown’s comments spark an interesting conversation: What would the game of football look like if we reimagined it from the ground up?