"The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous looking new Kickoff Rule. How can they make such a big and sweeping change so easily and quickly. It's at least as dangerous as the 'normal' kickoff, and looks like hell. The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about. 'Sissy' football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!"
"The NFL arrived at the rule change after years of review and experimentation as it sought to balance keeping the game entertaining and improving player safety. Early evidence shows that this season's change boosted the return rate to its highest point since 2010. Nearly 77% of kickoffs were returned in the first two weeks of play this season. Before, players on opposing teams ran toward each other at high speeds and collisions often caused significant injuries."
"The change has kickers line up at the 35-yard line, and the rest of the team line up along the receiving team's 40-yard line. Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or a returning team member touches it inside the 20-yard line. In 2024, kicks that went beyond the end zone were ruled touchbacks and went to the 30-yard line."
The dynamic kickoff introduced ahead of the 2024 season repositions kickers at the 35-yard line and most players along the receiving team's 40-yard line, allowing only the kicker and returners to move before the ball is touched inside the 20. Kicks beyond the end zone are touchbacks that place the ball at the 35-yard line this year. The alignment change reduces high-speed collisions by having players start closer together, lowering impact speeds. Early data show a nearly 77% return rate in the first two weeks and a 17% decrease in concussions after the rule change.
Read at Poynter
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