FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots receiver Cordarrelle Patterson is one of the most dynamic kickoff returners in NFL history, and on Wednesday, he defended the play and said the league would be making a mistake to eliminate it because of safety concerns.
"That's just crazy, man. That's nonsense. They're just trying to take the fun out of some people's game," Patterson said during an appearance on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" program. "Some people only play special teams; that's what they're in the league for. Me, I make my bread and butter out of that. ... I love the opportunity of being back there. They shouldn't take it out."
Patterson, who enters his first season with the New England Patriots, has 153 career kickoff returns for 4,613 yards (30.2-yard average) and five touchdowns. He holds the NFL record for the longest kickoff return for a touchdown (109 yards) and has discussed in depth how much he loves the play.
But kickoff returns are being closely scrutinized by the NFL.
Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy said the league's medical department presented statistics at the NFL's annual meeting in March showing that concussions are five times as likely to happen on kickoffs as on an average play. Murphy, who is a member of the NFL's competition committee, told a small group of reporters the league planned to bring together head coaches and special-teams coordinators to discuss the issue.
Murphy said the message will be, "If you don't make changes to make it safer, we're going to do away with it. It's that serious. It's by far the most dangerous play in the game."
As evidenced by acquiring Patterson in a trade, Patriots coach Bill Belichick has long been a proponent of the kickoff return, previously calling it one of the most exciting plays in the game.
It's part of the reason Patterson's excitement level is high to join the Patriots after four years with the Vikings (2013-16) and one with the Raiders (2017).
"Once I touch the ball, I feel like no one can stop me," he said on NFL Network.
Patterson, who also has been utilized on offense in different roles with the Vikings and Raiders, said Belichick told him he has a fresh slate in New England and the team will attempt to "make you the player you should be." Patterson also recently spent time with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Patterson said he's open to anything on offense, where he has 163 career receptions for 1,625 yards and seven touchdowns, as well as 44 rushes for 454 yards and six touchdowns.
"Just put me on the field. It will take care of itself," Patterson said. "That's something I've been doing my whole life, making plays. I don't like when someone tries to label me as 'this' and 'that.' I just go out there and do what I'm supposed to do and have fun doing it."
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