NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay discussed possible changes to the new dynamic kickoff.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and 31 other franchises had to quickly adapt to the NFL's new dynamic kickoff in the 2025 season. On Sunday, NFL Competition chairman Rich McKay spoke on potentially changing the kickoff rules again.
On Sunday, Judy Battista of NFL.com reported on McKay discussing two key points of the new NFL kickoff: the kickoff/touchback placement and onside kicks.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver/punt returner Calvin Austin III returning a punt for a 73-yard touchdown against the New York Giants on Oct. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
First, the NFL may be looking at changing the kickoff placement or touchback yard placement. Currently, the ball is kicked off from the 35-yard line; where it has been placed since 2011. If a kickoff goes into the endzone for a touchback, the ball is placed on the 30-yard line–unless the ball first hits the landing zone; which it is then placed at the 20.
According to McKay, the league will be looking at moving the kickoff point back to the 30-yard line while also bringing the touchback up to the 35-yard line. The idea of this is to encourage more returns.
Finally, McKay also indicated the league is reviewing making changes to the onside kickoff rules. Currently, the onside kick can only be performed in the fourth-quarter when the team kickoff is trailing. Additionally, the kicking team must stay within a yard of the kick point.
McKay's indications appear to suggest that special teams coordinators are looking at changing formation rules to increase the chances of an onside recovery. McKay did also suggest teams will look at the fourth-down live scrimmage scenario instead of a live kick–though he emphasized it takes 24 votes to make changes.
Special Teams Danny Smith coordinator confronts officials after controversial call during New York Jets game on Oct. 20, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The NFL's willingness to continue to adapt these rules comes off the heels of a 2024 season where, according to NFL Operations data, returns increased from 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% . Additionally, the league saw 59 big-play returns of 40 or more yards–the most since 2016.
The biggest key data point may be on the injury front. The new dynamic kickoff reduced concussions on kickoffs by 60%. Pair that with the increase in kickoff returns, the league has a lot of positives to take away from this huge change.
NFL owners will meet in March to review these changes. Among other subjects the league will discuss include replay assist expansion and penalties. It feels almost certain that the kickoff rules will be one of the big changes to look for.
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