The National Football League (NFL) has decided to add the option for a medical timeout to be called by certified athletic trainers if the need arises.

The new rule gives a third party --- in this case a certified athletic trainer --- the power to stop the game if a player seems disoriented or out on their feet.

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NFL officials enacted the new rule in order to prevent a situation like the New England Patriot's Julian Edelman.

Late in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship game, the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks were both closing in on their ticket to the Super Bowl. A big hit from the Seahawks' Kam Chancellor left Edelman visibly disoriented on the field.

Despite the incident though, he was still able to stay in the game and catch the game-winning touchdown.

With this new rule active, a spotter at the game will be able to communicate with the side judge if they determine a player shows any signs of instability.

The new medical timeout is a thing in and of itself, meaning that neither of the two teams will be charged a timeout in this case. It is merely there for the benefit of the players.

Teams can also replace their player immediately.

NFL Competition Committee co-chairman Rich McKay said that the new rule came from the health and safety committee and the new spotters.

McKay indicated that the people in the health and safety committee have both a good vantage point and a booth filled with helpful technology. They are also in constant communication with trainers or doctors, and already have a dynamic between the parties.

"Why would we miss a play when a player should come out?" McKay said.

This is only one of five new safety rules the NFL bigwigs have voted in last Tuesday.

Also included are changing the rules of a peel-back block, a new rule to protect receivers, and making it illegal for a back outside the tight end area.

TagsNFL, Football, disoriented players, new rule, Medical timeout