The rules for NFL kickoffs seem to get tweaked every few years, and it has gotten to the point where what was once one of the most exciting plays in football is now a complete non-factor.
NFL kickoff returns for touchdowns have been steadily declining for years, prompting the league to make some big proposed changes for 2024.
According to Albert Breer of NBC Sports, Saints special teams coach Darren Rizzi and Cowboys special teams coach John Fassel will be arriving in Orlando today for the owners’ meetings, where they will answer questions on the kickoff proposal they drafted for the league.
Saints ST coach Darren Rizzi and Cowboys ST coach John Fassel will arrive in Orlando today for the owners meetings—and will be there to present and answer questions on the kickoff proposal they crafted for the league.
NFL owners could vote the proposal through this week.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 24, 2024
Breer added that owners could vote on the proposal in the coming week.
The new kickoff rule changes have been heavily inspired by the XFL, and the ultimate goal would be to reduce concussions and encourage more returns.
The proposal would eliminate fair catches and penalize touchbacks, giving the returning team the ball at the 35-yard line.
Another major difference is that aside from the kicker at the 35-yard line, the other ten players would line up at the opposing team’s 40-yard line with five players on each side of the field.
The return team would be allowed to have at least nine blockers between the 30 and 35-yard lines, with at least seven of them touching the 35.
Two returners would be allowed inside the 20.
It’s a lot to digest, but the XFL was on to something here and it’s great to hear that the NFL is prioritizing making kickoffs exciting again.
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