NFL fans saw fewer kickoffs returned this past season after the league decided to allow returners to get the ball at the 25-yard line on fair catches. And now, it looks like the league is attempting to reverse course to incentivize teams to return more kickoffs, along with a number of other proposed rule changes to kickoffs.
NFL special teams coordinators have been working this offseason to craft a new set of kickoff rules. If approved by league owners, kickoffs would look entirely different in the very near future.
Some of the proposed changes include kicking teams kicking off from the opponent’s 40-yard line, no players except for the kicker and returner moving until the ball is touched, and touchbacks now having the ball placed at the 35-yard line instead of the 25-yard line as it is now.
The NFL is working on a kickoff proposal that would involve teams kicking off from the opponent's 40-yard line, with the goal of increasing returns.
Here's some of what it involves, per @AlbertBreer:
– No players except the kicker and returner can move until the ball is… pic.twitter.com/ucbpS3WP5N
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 3, 2024
Onside kick attempts would also be tweaked. According to Tom Pelissero, teams would only be able to attempt an onside kick while trailing in the fourth quarter. They would also need to declare their intention of attempting the onside kick to the other team before the play.
No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources.
Language still being finalized and owners must approve. pic.twitter.com/HYJKv3EZtP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2024
Naturally, fans had plenty of differing opinions on whether or not these rule changes would be overall positive for the game, or negative.
I think we should LEAVE THE KICKOFF rules alone . BUT all these new options suck . i watch the XFL. The kickoffs looked strange and were pointless . At this point just KILL the kickoff and give ball to each team on own 25 . Simple . #NFL https://t.co/RJdQRBMLth
— Gabriel Morency (@sportsrage) March 3, 2024
@NFL Leave the kickoffs and the rules alone…quit watering down the game more than it already is. Ditto @NFLPA Signed the fans that buy tickets and pay your bills
— Mark (@DUD6887) March 3, 2024
If they want more kickoffs just change it back to a touchback at the 20
The NFL loves making everything more complicated than necessary https://t.co/MZClOmyaDF
— 💎PotatzAimz💎 (@AimzPotatz) March 3, 2024
It is actually amazing how stupid everybody in charge of stuff is. https://t.co/ZlkPfKpZL7
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) March 3, 2024
Can’t stress enough how lame this is. https://t.co/C7moNyME6i
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) March 3, 2024
Stop ruining football… https://t.co/SAozzVJYGr
— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) March 3, 2024
The intention of this potential new rule set is very clear from the NFL. They are clearly trying to make more teams return kicks, but do so in a safer way than before with less speed colliding together.
These new rules are fairly similar to the way they are done in the XFL, which has been widely regarded as a much more low-impact style of kickoffs that still finds a way for more returns to happen.
It sure seems like this new rule set will shortly be voted on by NFL owners. So whether fans like it or not, these rules could be a reality in the NFL very soon.
