NFL to consider changes to kickoff, including touchbacks moving to 35-yard-line

The NFL was pleased with how the dynamic kickoff labored in its inaugural run in 2024, however there should still be modifications to the play in 2025.

NFL Competitors Committee chairman and Falcons CEO Wealthy McKay instructed reporters on Sunday that the group is contemplating modifications that they hope would result in much more returns. McKay stated the committee will talk about giving groups possession on the 35-yard-line quite than the 30-yard-line in addition to kickoffs being launched from 5 yards additional again. Kickers now ship kickoffs from their very own 30-yard-line.

The league stated that the change to the dynamic kickoff led to a 57 p.c rise in returns in addition to a decrease damage charge.

One aspect impact of the transfer away from conventional kickoffs is that there is no such thing as a longer a shock onside kick choice and there have been few profitable ones when groups did declare their intent to strive one in 2024. McKay stated the committee will talk about with particular groups coaches ways in which the onside kick may very well be tweaked to enhance the chances of the kicking workforce recovering the ball.

Any modifications would require the approval of 24 groups and McKay stated he thinks any proposals could be prepared for the league conferences in March.