NFL owners have approved a rule change that will shorten the regular-season overtime period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes.
The proposal was made with safety in mind, addressing coaches' concerns about exhaustion and risk of injury.
Last season, there were six overtime games in which the extra period lasted more than 10 minutes -- the second-highest total in NFL history.
The change will cover preseason and regular season games. Playoff games will also use 10-minute blocks, but won't end in ties.
"We don't think it will lead to more ties," said commissioner Roger Goodell.
Owners debated the overtime proposal during meetings in Phoenix in March but tabled it for further discussion.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.
