It’s the dawn of a new era in the National Football League.
The new kick-off rule is one of the most significant rule changes in the history of the league.
And while it’s meant to prevent injuries, it’s also expected to make it easier for teams to score on kick-off returns.
That’s why former star WR DeSean Jackson isn’t a fan of this modification.
Talking to Kay Adams for her Up & Adams Show, he stated that he would have 10 to 20 more kick-off return touchdowns with this rule.
“I hate it… I would’ve probably had 15 to 20 more (return) touchdowns now,” Jackson said.
3x Pro-Bowl WR DeSean Jackson on the new ‘hybrid’ kickoff rule
“I hate it… I would’ve probably had 15 to 20 more (return) touchdowns now.” @DeSeanJackson10 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/UDfQyrxQkm
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 28, 2024
However, he doesn’t necessarily think that’s a good thing, adding that guys like Devin Hester might not credit those who break his record under these new rules.
He believes it’s going to change the flow of the game and that it’s going to be a completely different game.
For those who are unaware of the rule change, it essentially looks to move the majority of return and kicking teams downfield so there are fewer high-speed bumps and collisions, looking to lower concussion rates and injuries.
Kickers will continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the rest of the players on the kickoff team will line up at the opposing team’s 40-yard line.
At least nine members of the return team will then line up between the 35 and 30-yard lines, with up to two potential returners lining up in a so-called ‘landing zone’ between the goal line and the 20-yard line, just like the XFL did last season.
Only the kicker and the returner will be able to move until the ball gets caught by the returner or hits the ground.
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