NFL

NFL Could Change Kickoff Rules Again In 2025

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Anthony Cardenas
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Anthony Cardenas Sports Editor

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Published24 Feb 2025

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The NFL underwent some changes during the 2024 season, most notably in the kicking game. But those new rules might be altered for a second postseason in a row, as the league will be discussing some tweaks during a meeting of the competition committee.

NFL Competition Committee Will Meet This Week In Indianapolis

Last year, the league introduced the “dynamic kickoff”. Implemented due to record low return rates as well as injuries that came with the original style of kickoffs, it featured alignment changes and a new “landing zone”. It worked, as there were 332 more returns in the regular season than in 2023, and the most returns of 40+ yards in nearly 10 years.

Instead of a 21.8% return rate, the 2024 season saw a figure of 32.8%.

The NFL wants that number to be even higher going forward. The competition committee will meet this week at the annual NFL Combine, and slight changes to the kickoff format will be one of their main topics of discussion.

One tweak would help cut down on the number of touchbacks. Kickoffs that go out of the end zone could see the receiving team start their drive all the way up on the 35-yard line instead of the 30, or perhaps have the kicker move back five yards. Falcons’ CEO Rich McKay, who is co-chair of the committee, says that there is a chance of both shifts being approved.

The committee will also discuss onside kicks, and how to potentially make them more effective. There are rumors that a proposal will eliminate the practice altogether, instead replacing it with a 4th-and-15 or 4th-and-20 attempt by the offense.

McKay also said that the meeting would include a look into technology to determine first downs, as well as small changes to the replay assist program.

The meeting between the committee can only result in proposals being drawn up. They would then be voted on at the NFL annual meetings, which will begin on March 30th.