NFL owners pass RADICAL rule change ahead of next season

NFL owners voted in favor of a sweeping change to the kickoff rule for next season.

The biggest change proposed by the league’s competition committee at this year’s League annual meeting is an attempt to add excitement with more returns while reducing the high-speed collisions that have made the game so dangerous.

The league has spent the last few seasons making kickoffs less common in hopes of reducing injuries. The data showed a significantly higher injury rate on kickoffs compared to other plays.

Last season, returns were attempted on fewer than 22 percent of all kickoffs, according to Sportradar, down from 80 percent in 2010.

The major overhaul of special teams, which has been in the works for years, takes elements of the kickoff rules used in the XFL and modifies them for use in the NFL starting in 2024.

Last season, returns were attempted on less than 22 percent of all kickoffs.

The rule will be in effect for one season on a trial basis and will then be subject to renewal in 2025.

For a standard kickoff, the ball would be kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up on the opposing 40-yard line, with five on each side of the field.

The returning team would have at least nine blockers lined up in the ‘setup zone’ between the 30 and 35 yards, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. Up to two returners would be allowed inside the 20.

Only the kicker and two returners may move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.

Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air may be returned, or the receiving team may opt for a touchback and possession at the 30. Any kick that reaches the end zone in the air and goes out of bounds or outside the end zone. would also result in a touchback at the 30.

If a ball hits a returner or the ground before the end zone and enters the end zone, a touchback would be at the 20 or the play could be returned. Any kick received on the field of play must be returned.

Under current rules, any touchback, or if a returner calls for a fair catch in the field of play, results in the receiving team receiving the ball at its 25.

“This is our chance to keep the special teams in the game,” NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay said Monday, calling the current kickoff a dead play.

‘Special teams have been a part of the game forever. And, in our opinion, if you miss the kickoff, you pretty much eliminate the special teams and put them on a punt play.’

The proposal needed 24 of 32 votes to pass.