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Abhinav Sharma

The NFL's new dynamic kickoff rule: What to know about the new changes heading into the 2024 season

Scrambling to make sense of the NFL's new dynamic kickoff rule? GOAL explains everything you need to know...

This year, and likely in the future, the kickoff—a play that occurs at least twice per game—will have a noticeably different format.

The NFL has introduced a revamped kickoff format for the 2024 season that was copied from the XFL, aiming to enhance the excitement of kickoff returns while prioritizing player safety.

This new system was on display during recent preseason games and is expected to lead to more dynamic plays as players become accustomed to the updated rules.

The kicker stands alone at his own 35-yard line. The rest of the coverage team, and most of the return contingent, line up five yards apart from each other. And there's something called a "landing zone."

The changes have already led to some confusion on the field, which was evident in a preseason game where a Kansas City Chiefs player was penalized for a safety, and the San Francisco 49ers faced a penalty as well.

Here, GOAL explains everything you need to know about how this new system will work.

Checkout More 2024 NFL content below:

  • Key Background

    In March 2024, NFL owners approved the Dynamic Kickoff rule with a 29-3 vote. This decision followed a rule change from the previous year that placed the ball on the 25-yard line if a fair catch was made inside the 25 during kickoffs.

    That rule diminished the impact of short kicks intended to pin teams near the goal line, leading to higher return rates but also a rise in kickoff-related concussions, according to ESPN.

    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to concussions, was found in over 40% of athletes who died before age 30, according to a JAMA Neurology study of donated brains, mostly from football players.

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  • Why did the NFL change kickoff rules?

    The league's decision to overhaul the kickoff rules stems from a significant decline in kickoff returns and a rise in injury rates associated with high-speed collisions.

    Over recent years, the league has made various adjustments aimed at reducing injuries, particularly concussions, associated with high-speed collisions during kickoffs.

    These previous measures inadvertently led to a substantial increase in touchbacks and a corresponding drop in the excitement and frequency of kickoff returns, with only about 21.7% of kicks being returned in the 2023 season, compared to approximately 80% a decade ago.

    The new rule gives players significantly less space to gain speed before contact and is one of several player safety measures enacted by the NFL in recent years.

    The changes also effectively transform what has become a yawning standard touchback into the exciting, potentially impactful play like in the XFL.

  • What are the new NFL kickoff rules?

    The new NFL kickoff is taken straight from the XFL's innovative twist on the special teams play. It's going to look quite a bit different to say the least. Here's a complete breakdown:

    Kicking Team Positioning:

    • The kicker will continue to kick from the 35-yard line facing the longer side of the field.
    • All other players on the kicking team will line up at the opposing team's 40-yard line, just 5 to 10 yards away from the receiving team's defenders in the "set-up zone," which spans the area between the 30- and 35-yard lines.

    Receiving Team Positioning:

    • The receiving team can place up to two returners in the "landing zone," which is the area between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
    • At least seven players from the receiving team must line up on their own 35-yard line, referred to as the "restraining line."

    Movement Restrictions:

    • Players the kicking team (excluding kicker) and those receiving (except for returners) cannot move until ball touches ground or a player in landing zone end makes contact.
    • Returners are allowed to move freely before and during the kick.

    Kick Outcomes:

    • If a kick lands in the landing zone, it must be returned.
    • If a kickoff fails to reach the end zone, it is treated as a delay of game penalty, with the ball placed on the receiving team's 40-yard line.
    • If the kick lands in the landing zone and then bounces into the end zone, the receiving team can either return it or down it for a touchback, starting their drive at the 20-yard line.
    • Kicks that reach the end zone in the air can be downed for a touchback starting at the 30-yard line if they go out of bounds or out of the end zone.
    • If the kick lands in the end zone and goes out of bounds, the ball is placed at the receiving team's 30-yard line.

    • No fair catches.

    Other rules to keep in mind:

    • If the ball falls off the tee twice because of adverse weather conditions, the kicker is allowed to use a kicking stick to keep it in place.
    • When penalties occur during kickoffs, only the spot of the kick will be adjusted; the setup zone and landing zone will remain unchanged.
    • For penalties that arise from scoring plays, the enforcement will take place during the subsequent point-after attempt.
    • Conversely, penalties assessed during the try will be applied to the following kickoff.
    • Additionally, safety kicks are permitted to be taken from a tee, but the setup and landing zones will still follow the same guidelines as those for kickoffs.

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  • What happens to onside kicks?

    As for onside kicks, they are now only allowed in the fourth quarter of games and must be declared to the officials before the onside kick attempt. No more surprise onside kicks.

    If kick goes past setup zone untouched, kicking team is penalized 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct, and the receiving team takes possession of the ball at the kicking team's 20-yard line.

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