The Eagles used a holder on a recent kickoff to angle the ball and impede returners. As the Bears prepare for Monday night’s game, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower contends that the tactic should be prohibited.
Hightower, who helped shape the NFL’s “dynamic” kickoff, said the rule permitting a 12th player (holder) was originally intended for windy conditions with a tee‑placed ball, not for the Eagles’ current angled placement.
He explained that the rule has evolved over time—from a weather‑related exception to a permission for any situation—stressing that the original intent required the ball to sit on the tee when a holder is used.
Hightower mentioned that a conference call with special teams coaches is being organized to address the issue.
He expressed confidence that the NFL could amend the rule mid‑season to mandate a tee‑placed ball whenever a holder is employed, noting that such a change would not need to wait for the offseason.
Citing a similar 2022 incident involving the Raiders—where the league initially allowed a holder to place the ball atop the tee before reversing course mid‑season—Hightower hopes the league will take comparable action against the Eagles’ practice.
