NFL Approves Main Kickoff Rule Change, Expands Replay Assist for 2025 Season

Just a day after permitting throwback and alternate jersey choices, the NFL homeowners have licensed a brand new modification to the league’s kickoff format with the aim of boosting return percentages whereas minimizing participant accidents.

For the 2025 season, touchbacks on kickoffs shall be designated on the 35-yard line, a change to encourage higher returns. Initially, they had been set on the 30-yard line. But coaches final yr selected to go for touchbacks, leading to a low 32.8% return price.

With the brand new rule now in impact, league officers estimate a return price of 70% to 75%.

Safer Kickoffs Lead to Fewer Concussions

Among the primary targets for these modifications is participant security. According to ESPN, the league diminished concussions on kickoffs by 43% from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating that the modifications are efficient.

“The space and the speed of the play were much more down from what we’re all used to,” Denver Broncos particular groups coach Darren Rizzi stated.

“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 homeowners compelled by means of the kickoff touchback rule, they postponed the onside kick restoration guidelines. Teams are nonetheless debating proposals on how one can elevate the speed of success on onside kicks, that are getting more durable and more durable to recuperate. A renewed plan shall be introduced subsequent month.

Expanded Replay Assist for Fairer Calls

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

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

But replay officers couldn’t add a flag for a missed name, so they’ll solely overturn wrongly thrown penalties and never add new ones.