CHANGES ARE COMING

NFL Kickoffs Are About to Look a Whole Lot Different After Rule Change

The new setup is similar to one that was already used in the XFL.

NFL kickoffs are about to look a whole lot different this fall under a new rule change approved by team owners Tuesday. The new setup is similar to one that was already used in the XFL, in which the 10 players on the kicking team line up on the opposing 40-yard line. Nine of the returning team’s players would then line up in a set-up zone between the 30 and 35 yard lines, while two returners can start within the 20-yard line. Crucially, under the new rules all balls caught in the field of play must be returned. Last year there were 1,970 touchbacks—something the league wanted to remedy in 2024. “I think [the rule change] will bring [the kickoff] back into a relevant play, an important play, an exciting play and I think we can do it where the injury rate will drop,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. The change will only be in effect for one year—though it is subject to renewal at the conclusion of the the season if owners deem it a success.