Last season, the NFL implemented one of the most significant rule changes in league history by introducing a new kickoff format. While the change was largely seen as a success, there is a strong possibility that additional adjustments will be made before the 2025 season begins.
According to Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL’s competition committee, the league is likely to modify the new kickoff rule during the offseason. One of the most probable changes would involve shifting the touchback spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. This adjustment would discourage teams from simply kicking the ball out of the end zone to avoid returns.
McKay also mentioned that the league might consider moving the kickoff spot itself back by five yards. If adopted, this change would require kickers to place the ball at their own 30-yard line instead of the current 35-yard line, potentially leading to more return opportunities.
Discussing these possible adjustments, McKay acknowledged differing opinions within the league. “You’ll have people that’ll say both,” he told the Washington Post. “You’ll have people say one or the other. It’s always easier to start with one or the other than it is both.” He also emphasized the importance of considering health and safety implications before making a decision, noting that any rule change would require at least 24 votes from team owners.
McKay’s reference to “24 votes” highlights the fact that any rule change in the NFL must be approved by at least 24 of the league’s 32 team owners. This means that no adjustments to the kickoff rule will be implemented unless a significant majority of owners agree to the proposed changes.
One notable aspect of the kickoff rule is that the idea of spotting a touchback at the 35-yard line was actually part of the original proposal last year. When the league first introduced the new kickoff format, the plan was for any kickoff that went out of the end zone to result in a touchback at the 35-yard line.
However, just two days before team owners were scheduled to vote on the rule in March 2024, the NFL decided to revise the proposal. Instead of placing the touchback at the 35, the league adjusted it to the 30-yard line, which ultimately became the rule for the 2024 season.
Now, with a full season of data and feedback, the NFL is reconsidering its initial idea of a 35-yard touchback. If enough owners support the change this time around, the league could move forward with the tweak ahead of the 2025 season.
While the kickoff return rate in 2024 increased compared to 2023, it was still the second-lowest since 2000, prompting the NFL to explore ways to encourage more returns. Currently, the most favored solution appears to be moving the touchback spot to the 35-yard line to incentivize teams to keep the ball in play rather than kicking it out of the end zone.
Although the kickoff return rate may not have been as high as the NFL had hoped, the league still saw a significant increase, with 332 more returns in 2024 compared to 2023.
The NFL is also looking to improve the onside kick, which has become one of the least exciting plays in the game. In 2024, there were 42 onside kick attempts, but only three were successfully recovered. In recent years, multiple teams have suggested replacing the onside kick with an alternative, such as a fourth-and-15 or fourth-and-20 play, where a team would have one chance to gain the required yardage instead of attempting a kick.
According to Rich McKay, this idea will likely be revisited in discussions this year. “I could see it because [teams have] brought it up before,” he told the Washington Post. However, as with any rule change, it would require approval from at least 24 team owners to pass.
McKay also noted that if the alternative proposal doesn’t gain enough support, the league might consider smaller adjustments to the onside kick rules. One possibility could be modifying the way teams are allowed to line up to increase the success rate of recoveries.
Ultimately, the NFL wants to find a way to make late-game comeback attempts more competitive while ensuring player safety and maintaining fairness in game strategy.
The NFL is pleased that the new kickoff rule has improved player safety, but the league still wants to see more returns and higher onside kick recovery rates. Given these goals, it seems almost certain that the rule will be adjusted ahead of the 2025 season.
When the rule was initially approved, it was implemented on a one-year trial basis, meaning it must be voted on again this offseason. Owners will have the opportunity to review and potentially modify the rule before deciding whether to keep it moving forward.
The next owners’ meeting is set to take place from March 30 to April 2 in Palm Beach, Florida. This gathering will be a key moment in determining any potential changes to the kickoff rule.
By the end of the meeting, there should be more clarity on what kickoffs will look like in 2025, as owners will either vote to keep the rule as is, make adjustments, or consider alternative proposals.
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