NEW ORLEANS — The previous season’s Super Bowl showcased a variety of exciting elements, including innovative trick plays, pivotal moments of heroism, and intense drama as the Kansas City Chiefs edged out the San Francisco 49ers with a 25-22 victory in overtime.
However, one noteworthy absence marked the game: not a single kickoff return occurred. All 13 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, making it a historic Super Bowl without a kickoff return. This unique situation contributed to the NFL’s decision to initiate a significant rule change regarding kickoffs, leading to the introduction of a revamped kickoff system.
The new kickoff rules will be highlighted during the upcoming Super Bowl where the Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles. This modification aims to improve player safety by reducing injuries and encouraging more return plays, especially after the previous season witnessed a record low return rate of just 21.8%.
Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay noted the excitement surrounding the new rules, stating, “It’s kind of brought a new life to it. Gives us something to coach off of, kind of go back to the drawing board and kind of get creative with our ideas.”
The “dynamic kickoff” format might appear odd at first glance. The kicker stands alone at the 35-yard line, while ten coverage team players line up at the opponent’s 40-yard line. Meanwhile, the return team positions nine blockers in the setup zone, which lies between the 30- and 35-yard markers, with at least seven players in contact with the 35. Two returners may be stationed within the 20-yard line.
Until the ball touches the ground or is contacted by a returner within the 20, only the kicker and the two returners are permitted to move. Kicks that reach the end zone in air are eligible to be returned; however, the receiving team can choose a touchback, granting them possession at the 30-yard line. If the kickoff goes out of bounds or out of the end zone after reaching the end zone, it also results in a touchback.
The NFL reported that these changes led to a notable increase in kickoff returns in 2024, with 332 additional returns and the return rate rising to 32.8%. There were 59 returns spanning at least 40 yards, the highest rate the league has seen since 2016, alongside seven touchdown returns. Additionally, the concussion rate dropped by 43% compared to the last three years, and there was a significant decline in lower body injuries during kick return plays.
During the postseason, the return rate soared to 45.1%; however, this spike may be partially attributed to the challenges associated with kicking in cold conditions—an aspect that won’t come into play during the Super Bowl, which will take place in a controlled indoor environment.
Throughout the regular season, both the Eagles and Chiefs saw about one-sixth of their kickoffs reach the return zone. The Chiefs reported a return rate of 17.2%, while the Eagles logged 16.5%. Philadelphia’s percentage rose to 43.5% during the playoffs, primarily due to weather conditions rather than tactical objectives aimed at containing opponents before their 30.
Clay emphasized a focus on minimizing risk, stating, “We want to minimize any of the risk that can possibly happen. We’re just trying to eliminate any added variables that get us in trouble.”
This new rule is currently set for a one-year trial period, leaving the door open for adjustments or potential removal in the upcoming offseason. Kansas City’s special teams coach Dave Toub appreciates the rule but is in favor of a change that could further boost return rates, suggesting that placing touchbacks at the 35-yard line could encourage more returns.
Kick returns have proven crucial for both teams on their journey to the Super Bowl. The Eagles have capitalized on return opportunities with two forced turnovers, including a fumble recovery during the opening kickoff in their wild-card match against Green Bay, repeated in the NFC Championship against Washington. Moreover, Kenneth Gainwell had an impressive 44-yard return during the divisional game against the Rams.
For the Chiefs, Nikko Remigio made a significant impact in their first playoff contest, sprinting 63 yards on the opening kickoff during the divisional round against Houston, ultimately setting up a score for his team.
Clay mentioned the enthusiasm of the team, saying, “The guys like it. They’ve embraced it and they just want to do anything to help this team advance as far as possible.”
