NFL looking into potential change of controversial rule: ‘The f---ing worst’

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

A rule that has frustrated teams and fans alike in the NFL might be gone for good next season. 

Fumbles in the end zone resulting in touchbacks have been debated as among the worst rules in sports.

It’s a rule that has been discussed at length, just not by the league. 

That's about to change, according to Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Justin Jefferson (18) of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball through the end zone for a touchback during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field Sept. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Following each season, the league’s owners and executives discuss potential rule changes that are voted on for the next year. For example, a fair catch on kickoffs — Vincent said this has the potential to be done away with too — was a recent one that was voted upon. 

The issue with the rule for end zone fumbles is it’s not consistent with how fumbles anywhere else on the field by an offensive player are called. When a ball is fumbled and goes out of bounds anywhere else, possession remains with the offensive team. 

NFL DENIES ‘TUSH PUSH’ BAN RUMORS AS EAGLES CONTINUE TO DOMINATE: ‘THIS PLAY HAS EVOLVED’

According to the NFL rulebook, the end zone fumble rule states, "If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end of the sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team."

Troy Vincent speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Calif., May 1, 2017. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)