In a significant decision in NFL history, team owners have voted to make a fundamental change to kickoffs. During the annual league meeting, the NFL adopted a modified kickoff format, inspired by the XFL, aimed at increasing the number of returns while reducing injuries.
Fans will notice immediate differences, particularly with the first play of each game: Kickoffs will have a new look this season.
Under the new rule, players from both teams will line up just five yards apart, and they won’t start running until the returner catches the ball. This change aims to reduce high-speed collisions that often led to injuries in the past. Apart from the kicker and returners, only a few players will be positioned separately.
The kicker will kick from the 35-yard line, with teammates placed at the opposing 40-yard line. Meanwhile, the receiving team’s blockers will line up at their 35-yard line.
The kick must land between the 20-yard line and the goal line. Any kick going out of bounds or landing short of the 20 will grant the receiving team possession at the 40-yard line. Touchbacks will move the ball to the receiving team’s 30-yard line.
Players other than the kicker and returners cannot move until the ball is fielded or touches the ground. This rule change will undergo a one-year trial and will need re-approval next year to continue. Otherwise, the league will revert to its previous kickoff rules.
In the XFL, this rule resulted in fewer injuries and more returns. The NFL hopes for similar outcomes this year, as kickoffs will have a new appearance unlike any seen before.
