With the induction yesterday of the Class of 2006 into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the subsequent exhibition game today (the first game of the year), pro football has officially begun.

It is interesting to note that most of the intrigue in the off-season had to do with quarterbacks and their concomitant stories.

Daunte Culpepper forced a trade to Miami despite a reconstructed knee and now with the green light to practice, it will be interesting to see how far he can take the Miami Dolphins. Steve McNair was traded to the Baltimore Ravens and the theory is that with their existing defense, the Alcorn State grad is the missing piece for success in crabtown. Will Carson Palmer come back completely healthy following his dire knee injury in last year's playoffsfi While everyone seems to be focusing upon the arrival of Reggie Bush in the Big Easy, the reality is that the Saints will only go as far as the reconstructed shoulder of Drew Brees will take them. And how soon are the "Young Guns" --otherwise known as Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler and Vince Young -- going to make their mark on the professional landscapefi Finally, can Ben Roethlisberger recover fully from his Evil Knievel impersonation to lead the Steelers to a repeat titlefi

The biggest news, however, deals with the ultimate signal-caller -- and no, I am not talking about The Patriots' Tom Brady. Paul Tagliabue has officially stepped down from his post as commissioner of the NFL after 17 years of service. The man who is to replace him is as yet unknown at this press time. But whoever he will be, I feel it my duty to aid him in his assimilation process with a few suggestions that will enhance the on-field game, and ultimately, field a more quality product for all concerned.

1. Lighten up! The uniform code is like a parochial school, the fines levied for hits make the fans feel as if flag football is next, the celebration rule is inane and the fact that players have to wear only "certain numbers relative to their positions" is insipid; what is this, the Dewey Decimal systemfi Afford players some freedom with what they wear; after all, isn't that what fashion is aboutfi Jack Lambert once talked of "dresses" for quarterbacks and while I am cognizant that the stars need to be protected, it is a game of "collisions, not contact," as Bum Phillips pointed out long ago. As for the celebrations, play the extra point like any other play and if the player goes into his Bob Fosse choreography, throw the flag. But asking the officials to decipher what is "contrived" or "reasonable" is like asking Bill Clinton what "it" is. Red Grange wore No. 77, Sammy Baugh No. 33, Otto Graham No. 60, Marion Motley No. 76, and Paul Hornung No. 5. Did chaos ensuefi

Please.

2. Full-time officials. The advancements in video technology continue to reveal the numerous and egregious errors of the part-timers on the field in the stripes. Will working four games a week with film study and required evaluations improve the productfi YES! It will also restore some confidence in the fans who now are coming to realize how unconscionable it is to have a multi-billion dollar industry run by weekend "temps."

3. One quarter overtime. While there are those that see some romance in a game dramatically ending with the first tally, it is unseemly that such games can be decided by something as whimsical as a coin toss. Play an extra quarter and if there is no winner, call it a tie, but do not subject us to the "shootout" mentality that just occurred in the World Cup. The intensity with which the game is played deserves a proper conclusion based upon skill, not luck or happenstance.

4. Four-point field goal. The percentages of field goals made beyond 50 yards and made 3-point field goals in basketball are comparable. Why not reward such a difficult kick not to mention the myriad strategic schemes that can come to fruition as a resultfi

5. Tennis rule. In tennis, you cannot be coached while the game is being play. Allow coaches to go over details while people are on the bench but once they are on the field, it is the players' game. For many, the contest is becoming too computerized and run from the booth and the sidelines. Let the players play.

There are other suggestions but it is my belief that if all or any of these ideas are heeded, the game of professional football will be that much more engrossing -- but most important since it is by definition "a game," it will be more FUN!

Todd Christensen, a former BYU running back and All-Star tight end for the Oakland Raiders, can be reached at dhsports@heraldextra.com.

Get all your BYU sports news at CougarBlue.com

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D2.