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NFL cuts OT from 15 minutes to 10, citing player safety

FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," gesture during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. The league, however, will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," gesture during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. The league, however, will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File) FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his interception with a "bow and arrow," gesture during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md. The NFL wants to put some flair back into celebrations, allowing players to use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around on the ground again if they choose. The league, however, will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)

By Associated Press 4 min read

CHICAGO (AP) – NFL owners cut the overtime period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes to address coaches’ concerns too many players were exhausted and risking injuries at the end of the extra period.

The change covers preseason and regular-season contests. Playoff games will also use 10-minute time blocks in overtime, but won’t end in ties.

Research suggests the number of games that will go into overtime and end up tied will climb slightly. Over the last five years, with the 15-minute period in use, the league has averaged about one tie game each season. Projections show that could climb to three.

“We don’t think it will lead to more ties,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday, joining a number of coaches who said they expect a more aggressive strategy during the shorter extra period.

Earlier, the 2021 Super Bowl was moved by the NFL from Los Angeles to Tampa.