NFL radically revamps kickoff rules to improve safety, but also increase 'exciting, fun play'
NFL owners voted to approve changes to the league's kickoff structure for the 2024 season, introducing a system that they hope will produce more returns.
NFL owners voted to approve changes to the league's kickoff structure for the 2024 season at their annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, introducing a system that they hope will produce more returns.
Place kicker Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks the opening kickoff during Super Bowl LVIII against the San Fransisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vega.Luke Hales / Getty Images fileThe league announced the change Tuesday, saying the new structure would resemble a scrimmage-style kickoff "by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed."
For a standard kickoff, the ball will be kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40, with five on each side of the field.
The return team will have at least nine blockers lined up in the “set up zone” between the 30- and 35-yard lines, with at least seven of those players touching the 35. Up to two returners will be allowed inside the 20.
Only the kicker and two returners will be allowed to move until the balls hit the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.
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