When Did the NFL Move Goal Posts?

A look at the history of the NFL and when they moved goal posts. From the early days of the league to the present day, find out when the NFL changed the rules regarding the goal posts.

The NFL’s history with goal posts

The NFL’s history with goal posts is a long and storied one, dating back to the league’s inception in 1920. The first goal posts were made of wood and were placed at the back of each end zone. These goal posts were 10 feet tall and 18 feet wide, with the crossbar being 10 feet off the ground.

In 1927, the NFL added an additional 10 feet to the height of the goal posts, making them 20 feet tall. This change was made in order to make it more difficult for players to attempt field goals.

During the 1930s, the NFL experimented with different placement for the goal posts, moving them from the back of the end zone to the front. This change was made in order to make it easier for fans in the stands to see if a field goal was successful. However, this experiment did not last long and the goal posts were quickly moved back to their original location.

In 1974, yet another change was made to the height of NFL goal posts, as they were raised five feet higher than before, making them 25 feet tall. Once again, this change was made in order to make it more difficult for players to attempt field goals.

The most recent change to NFL goal posts came in 1999, when they were again moved forward, this time to the front of each end zone. The rationale behind this move was two-fold: first, it would make it easier for fans in the stands to see if a field goal was successful; and second, it would make it more difficult for players on offense – who were often running full speed – from accidentally running into them while trying to score a touchdown.

So there you have it: a brief history of NFL goal posts.

Why the NFL decided to move goal posts

In 1974, the NFL decided to move the goal posts from the back of the end zone to the front of the end zone. The reasoning behind this change was twofold: first, to make it easier for fans in the stands to see if a field goal was good; and second, to increase the importance of extra points, which had become somewhat devalued due to their high percentage of success.

The move did result in more missed field goals, but it also had the desired effect of making extra points more important. In recent years, we have seen plenty of games decided by one or two points, which would not have been possible if not for the changed rule.

So, while the NFL did make a slight modification to increase scoring potential, they also did it with the intention of making the game more exciting for both fans in attendance and those watching at home.

How the NFL’s decision has affected the game

In 1974, the NFL decided to move the goal posts from the end line to the back of the end zone. The decision was made in order to reduce injuries during kickoffs and make the game safer overall.

The idea was that by moving the goal posts, kickers would no longer have to run as far down the field and would be less likely to get tackled. However, many fans and players felt that this change took away from the excitement of the game.

Some argue that the move has made kicking field goals more difficult, as it is now harder to judge distance. Others say that it has made the game less exciting, as there is now less chance of a last-minute field goal being scored.

Whatever your opinion on the matter, there is no doubt that the NFL’s decision to move goal posts has had a significant impact on the game of football.

The reaction to the NFL’s decision

The NFL’s decision to move the goal posts back to the end line sparked a mixed reaction from fans and pundits alike. Some felt that the move would make the game more exciting, while others felt that it would make it harder for teams to score. However, the move appears to have had little effect on the overall gameplay, as teams have adapted quickly and continue to score at a high rate.