The NFL competition committee is suggesting making the thrilling kickoff rule a permanent fixture and shifting touchbacks to the 35-yard line to enhance the frequency of returns. The committee introduced a variety of potential rule adjustments for the 2025 season, which will be deliberated upon at the upcoming league meetings. Any alteration must garner approval from at least 24 out of the 32 team owners. Teams submitted numerous propositions last week, some of which may be voted on at the league meetings, including the prohibition of the “tush push” and alterations to playoff seeding regulations.
Owners ratified a significant adjustment to kickoffs last year on a trial basis, and the committee is proposing another alteration to boost the rate of returns while mitigating injury risks. Last season witnessed a surge of 332 additional returns, with the rate escalating from a record-low 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% in the previous season. The committee’s objective is to encourage kicking teams to opt for shorter kicks that result in more returns by relocating the touchback to the 35-yard line on kicks that reach the end zone directly. Additionally, the committee suggested permitting teams to declare their intent for an onside kick at any juncture when trailing in the game, not just restricted to the fourth quarter.
Furthermore, the committee recommended slight adjustments to how players on the return team can align pre-kickoff, while maintaining the core setup with the kicker at their 35-yard line, 10 coverage players at the 40-yard line, and at least nine blockers stationed in the “setup zone” between the 30- and 35-yard line. Up to two returners may position themselves in the landing zone within the 20-yard line.
Any kick that lands in the end zone can be returned, or the receiving team may opt for a touchback, which will now be placed at the 35-yard line. Only the kicker and two designated returners are permitted to move until the ball touches the ground or is handled by a returner within the 20-yard line.
Last season, the NFL recorded 59 returns exceeding 40 yards, the highest since 2016, along with seven touchdown returns. The concussion rate decreased by 43% when compared to the previous three years, and there were fewer lower-extremity strains on kick return plays since 2018.
The committee also proposed expanding instant replay to enable replay assistance in reviewing objective calls such as facemask penalties, instances of forcible contact to the head or neck area, horse-collar tackles, or tripping, provided there is “clear and obvious” evidence that no infraction occurred. Replay would also have the authority to overturn roughing the kicker or running into the kicker penalties if video evidence indicates the defender made contact with the ball.
Moreover, the committee suggested allowing two players to return from injured reserve if placed on IR during.
