NFL bans Patriots' video-board illusion on field-goal attempts
The league has prohibited the New England Patriots from using a video-board display that creates an optical illusion for visiting kickers, requiring all teams to use the same visual feed for both sides during field-goal tries.
The NFL has told all 32 clubs that video-board displays shown during field-goal attempts must be identical for the home and visiting teams. Teams may choose a live All-22 camera view or a static image, but the same option must be used throughout a game, according to a memo issued on Sept. 7. Non-compliance could result in league discipline.
The rule change targets a practice employed by the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, where a video of the goal posts was shown behind the actual posts only when the opponent’s kicker lined up, creating an optical illusion. The tactic, which had previously been allowed, was highlighted by former NFL analytics employee Ryan Paganetti, who posted images showing how the display was used to mislead kickers. Paganetti noted that he first observed the method while working for the Philadelphia Eagles, who considered adopting it but found their stadium layout unsuitable.
The new policy now bars the use of such selective video displays in any NFL venue.