Just a day after allowing throwback and alternate jersey options, the NFL owners have authorized a new modification to the league's kickoff format with the purpose of boosting return percentages while minimizing player injuries.

For the 2025 season, touchbacks on kickoffs will be designated at the 35-yard line, a change to motivate greater returns. Initially, they were set at the 30-yard line. But coaches last year chose to go for touchbacks, resulting in a low 32.8% return rate.

With the new rule now in effect, league officials estimate a return rate of 70% to 75%.

Safer Kickoffs Lead to Fewer Concussions

NFL Approves Major Kickoff Rule Change, Expands Replay Assist for NFL Approves Major Kickoff Rule Change, Expands Replay Assist for
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Among the main objectives for these changes is player safety. According to ESPN, the league reduced concussions on kickoffs by 43% from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating that the changes are effective.

"The space and the speed of the play were much more down from what we're all used to," Denver Broncos special teams coach Darren Rizzi said.

"And so, the play was a tremendous success, and that's why we felt the time was now to move the touchback back to the 35 to go back to the original formation that we had proposed," he added.

The Onside Kick Rule Was Deferred for More Analysis

Whereas the NFL owners forced through the kickoff touchback rule, they postponed the onside kick recovery rules. Teams are still debating proposals on how to raise the rate of success on onside kicks, which are getting harder and harder to recover. A renewed plan will be announced next month.

Expanded Replay Assist for Fairer Calls

Along with the kickoff rule change, the NFL's replay assist program is being greatly expanded. According to CBS Sports, an official on the scene will now be empowered to overturn penalties for:

  • Hits to defenseless players
  • Face mask penalties
  • Horse collar tackles
  • Tripping
  • Running into/roughing the kicker

But replay officials could not add a flag for a missed call, so they will only overturn wrongly thrown penalties and not add new ones.