On March 25th it was reported that in next week’s league meeting the NFL will discuss (and likely pass) a rule change that brings touchbacks on kickoffs to the 35 yard line rather than the 30 yard line.

Last year, the NFL implemented one of its biggest rule changes since the introduction of the two-point conversion in 1994: the ‘dynamic’ kickoff. Inspired by the United Football League (UFL), this new approach aimed to improve player safety and make kick returns more frequent. Under this rule, the kicking team (except the kicker) lines up at the return team’s 40-yard line, while the return team (except the returners) starts at their own 35-yard line—just 5 yards apart. Players must remain stationary until the returner touches the ball or it lands in the ‘landing zone’ (the area between the 25-yard line and the goal line). If the ball lands in the end zone, a touchback places the ball at the 30-yard line. If the returner calls for a fair catch in the landing zone, the ball is placed at the 20-yard line.

A potential new rule could change the touchback placement to the 35-yard line, pushing the kick return game to a new level. Last season, the NFL saw excitement around the dynamic kickoff, as teams were able to break through the first line of defense. However, the new formation also allowed defenders to catch up quickly to the ball carrier. Despite efforts to reduce touchbacks, 63.5% of all kickoffs still resulted in touchbacks, and the league hopes the new rule will lead to fewer of them.

By making touchbacks 5 yards more cost worthy, kickers will be less inclined to boot the ball through the end zone. Last year, the 30 yard touchback rule served the same incentive, as it had increased the placement of touchbacks under the 2023 season from the 25 yard line to the 30 yard line. Bill Belichick, regarded as one of the best head coaches to ever wear a headset, said last season that “5 yards won’t motivate a coach to change their game plan.” However, with a 10 yard shift, we can expect coaches to take a different approach to their kicking game.

This is, of course, if the rule is approved in a vote by the NFL owners next week at their meeting in Palm Beach Florida. This rule was already in discussion for last year’s kickoff changes but the ‘dynamic’ kickoff was in a trial period so the touchback was kept at the 30 yard line. Due to discussion already being had at last year’s meetings, we can expect the rule to go through. Should this rule change, fans can also expect to see zero returns taken out of the end zone by returners, as a fair catch would result in an automatic placement at the 35 yard line.

Other rules to keep watch for during these owners meetings include the safety regulations in regards to tackling, overtime rules for the regular season, and addressing the ‘brotherly shove,’ a QB sneak method made famous by Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans will have to wait and see what big changes are coming to the rules of the NFL.

Written by Colby Shannon Wednesday March 25th at 5:37 pm

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