Tue Oct 08 21:08:16 UTC 2024: ## NFL to Tweak Kickoff Rule Again to Encourage More Returns
The NFL is poised to make another change to its controversial kickoff rule, just four weeks into the season. Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed the league will likely move the touchback to the 35-yard line for any kickoff that goes out of the end zone, aiming to incentivize more returns and generate more exciting action.
The initial kickoff rule change, implemented in 2024, aimed to increase player safety by making the touchback at the 25-yard line and limiting the speed of the returner. While the rule has successfully reduced injuries, it has also significantly reduced the frequency of kickoff returns, a trend that has been met with criticism from fans and players alike.
The current touchback at the 30-yard line was a compromise that the NFL made just days before the rule was voted on. With the proposed 35-yard touchback, the league aims to create a greater reward for teams opting to return the ball, encouraging more dynamic plays.
“We wanted to bring back more returns, but we wanted to do it safely,” said Goodell. He noted that the league will continue to gather data on the rule’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. “We always said this was going to be a work in progress,” he added.
The NFL Competition Committee will meet this week to discuss the proposed changes, with a decision expected soon. While the league is pleased with the rule’s impact on player safety, it acknowledges the need to strike a balance between safety and fan engagement. With a 17% increase in kickoff returns compared to last year, the league is hoping to see even more dynamic plays with the potential shift in the touchback rule.
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