In a landmark decision, NFL owners have voted to implement a groundbreaking revamp of the kickoff play.
The decision, reached after three days of intense deliberations at the league’s annual meeting, will see the adoption of a format pioneered by the XFL.
Here’s what the new NFL kickoff will look like this season: pic.twitter.com/vtR5bqGZLK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2024
Under the new format, kickers will maintain their position at the 35-yard line, while the remaining 10 players on the kicking team will line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line.
The receiving team will have at least nine players positioned in a designated “setup zone” between the 35- and 30-yard lines, with up to two returners allowed in a “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
More on the newly approved NFL Hybrid Kickoff. pic.twitter.com/k0mFrVoaZH
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2024
The decision to adopt this format stems from a concerted effort to address declining return rates and mitigate the risk of concussions associated with high-impact collisions during kickoffs.
Over the past decade and a half, the NFL has implemented various rule changes aimed at reducing returns, resulting in a record-low return rate of 21.7% in 2023.
The NFL has finally killed the kickoff
I know it’s linked to injuries, but I’ll miss it
I still get goosebumps watching these ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/u12hQaB69I
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) March 26, 2024
Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, voiced his support for the overhaul ahead of the vote, emphasizing its significance for special teams play.
“You felt like that took a significant amount of plays out of the game, and those were from special teams. And you don’t make it up really anywhere else. And so, we put an emphasis on it. So, I believe in it,” Campbell said.
"I do like the new kickoff rule but I think it's gonna have to be tweaked a little bit..
I think there's gonna be some tinkering maybe even after the preseason" ~ Brandon Beane #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/eK9epAVbFu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2024
In addition to the kickoff rule changes, owners approved three other significant amendments…
-A prohibition of the swivel hip-drop tackle technique. (Which was met with great controversy.)
-Allowing teams to receive a third challenge after one successful challenge, a proposal brought about by the Lions.
-Revision of the rules regarding double fouls during a down involving changes of possession, ensuring that the team last gaining possession retains the ball after enforcement for its foul, provided it did not commit a foul prior to gaining possession.
Hopefully with the new kickoff rule, the #Browns will finally return one for a TD-Last time it happened?
12/20/09- Where Josh Cribbs made not one BUT TWO house calls vs KC
That 15 year drought is currently the longest in the NFL#Dawgpound
pic.twitter.com/bqkX6Z33Nj— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) March 26, 2024
Needless to say, kickoffs are going to look extremely different next season.
What are your thoughts on the rule changes?
Are they for the better or worse???
In light of the kickoff as we know it being eliminated, RIP to the greatest kickoff return of all-time pic.twitter.com/WMR3vrIthH
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) March 26, 2024