NFL owners are voting on rule changes and various proposals for the 2025 season this week at the NFL Annual Meeting, wrapping up April 1.

Two of the proposed rules have passed, including a proposal to “expand the league’s replay-assist system” and a rule that will allow both teams possession of the ball in overtime in the regular season. This rule will apply even if the first team to possess the ball in overtime were to score a touchdown. Rule changes required the approval of at least 75% of clubs (24).

In 2022, the league approved a rule that would allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime, only during the postseason. The rule was enacted just once over that three-year period, during Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. In overtime, the 49ers possessed the ball first, opting to kick a field goal, only to be outscored by the Chiefs on the final drive with a touchdown from Patrick Mahomes to WR Mecole Hardman.

Prior to 2022, if the team that possessed the ball first in overtime scored with a field goal or touchdown on the first drive, the other team did not have an opportunity to possess the ball. Since 2022, teams that won the coin toss in overtime hold a 30-17-2 record.

The NFL’s overtime rules have long been a topic of discussion, especially when contrasted with the overtime rules in college football, which have long offered a bit more excitement and parity, giving teams multiple opportunities to possess the football.

The Steelers have had 18 regular-season overtime appearances under HC Mike Tomlin dating back to 2007, holding a 9-7-2 record in such games. Two of those nine wins came on touchdowns, while seven were won on field goals.

Among other rule changes proposed were a ban on the infamous “Tush Push” set forth by the Green Bay Packers, as well as a proposal from the Detroit Lions to “eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty for defensive holding and illegal contact.”