NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent is advocating for a rule change regarding kickoffs, as reported by NFL.com’s Judy Battista.
Vincent emphasized the necessity for reform, stating unequivocally that there will be a proposal to amend the current kickoff rules and format due to the shortcomings observed during the previous season’s kickoffs.
Reflecting on the previous season, Vincent expressed dissatisfaction with how kickoffs had evolved into what he described as a mere ceremonial aspect of the game. He stressed the need for action to rectify this situation.
Under the current format, the kicking team lines up at their own 35-yard line, with eight members positioned within 15 yards of the ball. Additional regulations prohibit double-blocks, and touchbacks result in the ball being placed at the 25-yard line.
Furthermore, a temporary rule change allowed returners to call for a fair catch on any ball kicked past the 25-yard line, granting possession at their own 25-yard line—a measure primarily implemented to enhance player safety.
However, this safety-oriented adjustment also led to a notable decrease in the number of fielded returns, with only 22 percent of kickoffs being returned last season. Notably, none of the 13 kickoffs during the Super Bowl resulted in returns.
In pursuit of a solution, Vincent is exploring the possibility of adopting elements from the XFL kickoff model, which received extensive discussion within the NFL’s Competition Committee.
This model, which has demonstrated a commitment to player safety while encouraging more return opportunities, could potentially serve as a blueprint for future NFL kickoff adjustments.
In the XFL kickoff format, the kicker lines up at their team’s 30-yard line, while the remaining 10 members of the kickoff team position themselves at the opponent’s 35-yard line.
Movement is restricted until the ball is fielded, with only the kicker and the returner permitted to maneuver. Additionally, touchbacks result in the ball being brought out to the 35-yard line.
While the specific details of any forthcoming changes remain uncertain, Vincent is firmly in favor of revising the current kickoff model, underscoring the importance of revitalizing this aspect of the game.
