Commentary: My unique proposal for changing the NFL extra point

We start with the likely changes to the extra point in the NFL this upcoming season.

To those asking “Why change it?” here’s the current level of excitement during current extra points: (Snoring Sound). There IS NO excitement, not with the 99.6% success rate of NFL extra points over the past three years. I simply don’t understand the traditionalists – especially the ones paying hundreds of dollars per ticket – who oppose adding at least a little more intrigue to a football game.

Right now, the extra point’s biggest utility is giving us more time for a bathroom break – and frankly, with the number of commercial breaks, we don’t need more down time.

According to Peter King of MMQB.com, 30 of 32 teams agree the extra point needs to be changed. The question is – what compromise will two-thirds of the teams approve at the league meetings next month?

It’s a fun debate – and one that had a lot of “12s” talking after Pete Carroll unveiled their idea last week: An automatic seven points for a touchdown. A mandatory try from the two-yard line for an extra point, allowing the defense a chance at a point by returning a fumble or interception to the opposite endzone.

While I have no problem with that proposal – here’s one of my own, and I’ll preface it with this: The NFL’s “Punt, Pass and Kick” competition now has been a staple of the league for 54 years. But rarely, outside of a quick kick, fake punt or fake kick, do NFL players have to be skilled in two of those disciplines.

Under my proposal, punters will still punt. Kickers will still kickoff and attempt field goals. But for the extra point, I propose taking everyone off the field to reduce the risk of injury, except the holder - and have the starting quarterback attempt the extra point from 30 yards out.

Imagine the spectacle of a Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, Colin Kaepernick or Tom Brady, in front of 70-thousand fans, demonstrating their proficiency in another discipline. It would add excitement and intrigue, and could very well help determine the outcomes of games.

Listen: Franchise quarterbacks are making upwards of $20 million a year, with the weight of games on their shoulders. What’s a little more responsibility for athletes who already take center stage?

NFL Draft strategy and scouting would become even more interesting – and best of all for the NFL, it would help send a message to every Punt, Pass and Kick competitor that proficiency in all disciplines are vital, even at the highest level.

So I eagerly await a decision by the league on extra points next month. But if anyone wants to really have some fun after touchdowns going forward, I encourage them to consider my proposal.