Major Rule Changes
Goal posts were standardized in the NFL. They were to be between 3 to 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter, painted bright yellow, with two non-curved supports offset from the goal line, and uprights 20 feet (6.1 m) above the crossbar. In 1967, the new "slingshot" goal post would be made standard, with one curved support from the ground. In 1974, the goal posts would be returned to the end line, and the uprights would be extended to 30 feet (9.1 m) above the crossbar.
The new goal-post rule is often referred to as the "Don Chandler Rule", referring to Don Chandler, the place-kicker for the Green Bay Packers. Although widely denied, the height increase of the uprights was in reaction to the previous season's Western Conference playoff game in Green Bay. Chandler kicked a controversial field goal that tied the game with under two minutes remaining. The kick was high above the upright, and many spectators thought that the kick missed. Chandler later hit a field goal that defeated the Baltimore Colts in overtime. The Packers went on to defeat the Cleveland Browns in the 1965 NFL championship game.
Read more about this topic: 1966 NFL Season
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