NFL Votes to Make Pass Interference Reviewable

Pass interference - both offensive and defensive - is reviewable for the 2019 season.

The end of the NFC Championship game in 2019 in New Orleans. (Photo by Kevin C.  Cox/Getty Images)
The end of the NFC Championship game in 2019 in New Orleans. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Rob Gronkowski may have retired just a bit too early as a rule change which likely would have benefitted him was just passed by NFL owners.

In the wake of the controversial non-call at the end of the NFC Championship game, NFL owners voted to make pass interference – both offensive and defensive – reviewable for the 2019 season.

Under the rule change, coaches can challenge any flags or non-calls until the final two minutes, after which such instances are subject to booth review only.

Though the number of plays they can challenge has been increased substantially, coaches will still be limited to two challenges per game, with a third being awarded if they are successful with the first two.

The rule change was ratified by NFL owners in a 31-1 vote, with Mike Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals being the lone owner to vote against the expansion of the rule.

“I personally believe it was the fact that every club wanted to get, and the league wanted to get these plays right,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said after the vote. “Replay is to get it right. And ultimately people compromised, I think, on long-held views because they want to get the system right. They want to get the play right.”

This change, which is only in place for the upcoming season thus far, could lead to even more replay expansion.

“I could see it expanding to other plays in the future,” Goodell said, “but within the challenge system.”

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