The NFL is gearing up for a significant shift in kickoff strategy with a proposed rule change that could double the percentage of kickoffs returned by 2025. If this proposal passes and moves touchbacks to the 35-yard line, we could see a dramatic increase in returns, transforming how teams approach kickoffs.
Reflecting on last year, we noted that 33 percent of kickoffs resulted in returns, a notable uptick from just 22 percent in 2023, the final year under the previous kickoff rule. While that increase is promising, it still represented the second-lowest return rate in NFL history. For context, in 2022, 38 percent of kickoffs were returned—a time when teams typically took more risks with their kicks. Before 2013, return rates were consistently high, demonstrating how strategies have changed over the years.
The introduction of the “dynamic” kickoff rule, which set touchbacks at the 30-yard line, encouraged teams to prioritize safety by opting to send the ball into the end zone rather than risk a long return. This led to a staggering 64 percent of kickoffs resulting in touchbacks, as teams calculated it was simply smarter to play it safe.
Looking ahead, the mandate to move the touchbacks up to the 35-yard line means teams might re-evaluate their kicking strategies. The NFL estimates suggest that 60 to 70 percent of kickoffs could be returned under this new rule, as many kicking teams might choose to bring the ball back into play rather than booting it deep into the end zone when the receiving team is given the added five yards on touchbacks.
The NFL’s main goal with this shift is to make kickoffs feel like every other play on the field—more dynamic, more engaging, and packed with action. The league has taken past injury concerns into consideration, and data from 2024 indicated that the rate of injuries on kickoffs has dropped to similar levels as injuries on other types of plays. This evolution points to a clear vision: kickoffs should not only be safe but also thrilling, captivating fans and players alike as they create moments of excitement that define the game. As we keep an eye on these proposed changes, it’s clear that the landscape of kickoffs in the NFL is on the brink of transformation, promising a future of action-packed returns and electrifying plays.
