The NFL will introduce its new kickoff rule during the preseason opener between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium. This revamped rule aims to add excitement to kickoffs, which had seen a decline in returns last season.
Under the new rule, kickoffs will now originate from the 35-yard line, with 10 players on the kicking team positioned at the opposing 40-yard line. The return team will have at least nine blockers between the 30- and 35-yard line, with a minimum of seven players touching the 35-yard line. Up to two returners will be permitted inside the 20-yard line.
Only the kicker and the returners are allowed to move before the ball is touched or hits the ground inside the 20. If a kickoff reaches the end zone, the receiving team can choose to return it or opt for a touchback with possession starting at the 30-yard line.
Should a kicked ball go out of bounds or land in the end zone without being touched, a touchback will be awarded, placing the ball at the 30-yard line. If the ball hits a returner or the ground before reaching the end zone and then goes into the end zone, the result will be a touchback at the 20-yard line, or the ball can be returned.
If a kickoff goes out of bounds before reaching the end zone, or if it touches the ground or a player before the landing zone, the return team will gain possession at the 40-yard line. This new kickoff format will be tested for one year and draws inspiration from the XFL spring league.
Last season, only 21.8% of kickoffs were returned, as teams often chose touchbacks to avoid potential risk. The NFL anticipates that more than half of kickoffs will be returned this season, with the objective of increasing excitement while maintaining player safety.
