NFL owners approved a massive revamp of the kickoff play Tuesday, opting for a format that originated in the XFL after three days of discussions at the league’s annual meeting.
The new alignment rules represent the most significant on-field rule change for the NFL in years and is designed to reverse more than a decade of declining return rates while also lowering concussion rates. In essence, the format will move the majority of the kicking and return teams downfield to minimize high-speed collisions. It will go into effect for one year only in anticipation of possible tweaks over time.
During the 2024 season, kickers would continue to kick from the 35-yard line, but the other 10 players on the kickoff team would line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. At least nine members of the return team would line up in a “setup zone” between the 35- and 30-yard line. Up to two returners can line up in a “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
No one other than the kicker and returner(s) can move until the ball hits the ground or a player inside the landing zone. Touchbacks would be marked at the 30-yard line, and no fair catches would be allowed. In the event a team wants to attempt an onside kick, it would have to inform officials of its intent and would then be allowed to use the NFL’s traditional formation. No surprise onside kicks would be allowed.