NFL confirms Patriots video board tactics remain within league regulations
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 9:20 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
The NFL has confirmed that the New England Patriots did not violate league policy regarding the use of Gillette Stadium video boards during opposing field goal attempts. Analysis by Ryan Paganetti revealed the team frequently displayed a reversed, live All-22 camera view behind the goalposts to create a mirror image during special teams plays. This practice occurred throughout the latter half of the tenure of Bill Belichick and coincided with opponents recording the league's lowest field goal conversion rate at the venue. Despite the potential for player distraction, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated the usage was legal under current rules. NFL policy permits displaying static images or All-22 game footage on stadium boards as long as the content does not contain flashing or moving effects that distract the kicker. No changes to league policy have been announced following the discovery.
- •The NFL confirmed that the use of All-22 footage on stadium boards is legal.
- •The New England Patriots utilized the tactic during the tenure of Bill Belichick.
- •Opposing kickers converted only 76.6 percent of field goals at Gillette Stadium.
- •Current league policy prohibits only flashing or blinking images during kicking attempts.
- •No official sanctions or rule changes followed the investigation into the video board usage.
- 9:20 PMCBS NFL — NFL says Patriots' distracting video board tactic did not violate league rules
"The disorienting use of All-22 footage on field goal attempts remains legal, the NFL said after footage of the tactic went viral
Sources
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