NFL confirms Patriots' video board tactic for field goals complies with rules
The league says the New England Patriots' use of a static All-22 image on the video board during field-goal attempts is legal under current policy.
The National Football League has verified that the New England Patriots' practice of displaying a static All-22 view on the stadium video board during field-goal and extra-point attempts complies with league rules. The policy, cited by the Boston Globe, requires video and ribbon boards to show either a static image or an All-22 view from the moment the kicking team reaches the line of scrimmage until officials signal the end of the play, prohibiting flashing or moving graphics.
The tactic originated after former Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski expressed discomfort seeing his own image on the board before a kick, prompting the team to adopt a neutral All-22 display that offers no visual distraction to the opposing kicker. Former Patriots strategist Ernie Adams noted the approach demonstrates the team's long-term psychological influence on opponents.
League officials confirmed the current rule permits such static displays, and any future changes would be required to alter the practice.