Luke Willson Hates Missed Field Goal Returns — Is He Right?

What’s Wrong With a Missed Field Goal Return?

A missed field goal return makes fans jump out of their seats, and the crowd goes crazy. Watching one player run over 100 yards to the end zone, juking, breaking tackles and spinning around defenders is pure excitement and entertainment for all the fans in attendance and watching at home.

Players like Gizmo Williams, Pinball Clemons and now Janarion Grant are superstar players from many generations who have made a living returning kicks, including missed field goals. This is a main difference vs. football across the border in the NFL.

Also, on the comment about coordinators, there are such things as special teams coordinators, and they do draw up plans for how to handle missed field goals on both sides of the ball.

Sure, you don’t want kickers missing any kicks, but it’s a part of football. And to be fair, Willson does mention that missing a 60-yard field goal is different than missing one from less than 40, but for me, it’s still a part of football.

To me, it’s like getting mad at a team scoring off a rebound in hockey, as it’s just tapping the puck in after someone else did all the work.

I do wonder if this take is more from an NFL outlook, as we just don’t see missed field goal returns in the NFL very often. You might see one a year at most. So, to someone from that world, it might just seem strange. But in Canada, the fans love it. Myself included.

The Weird Hate Towards Luke Willson

One thing I don’t understand is the hate Luke Willson gets for simply sharing his opinion on Canadian football. Whether it’s the CFL or OUA, he says what’s on his mind, and even if I don’t always agree with him, I respect that.

People are allowed to have different opinions. That’s part of what makes sports fun. Somewhere along the way, it feels like we’ve forgotten that you can disagree with someone without hating them for it.

I think some of Willson’s takes are a little harsh, including the “hot garbage” comments, but I love the fact that he’s talking about Canadian football and bringing more attention to the game.

You don’t have to agree with Luke Willson. I clearly don’t on everything. But at least he’s getting people talking, and that’s a good thing.