Dameon Pierce Time? Houston Texans Cal McNair, NFL Owners Pass New Kickoff Rule

NFL Owners, including Houston Texans Cal McNair, Pass New Kickoff Rule at Annual League Meeting

NFL owners, including Houston Texans' Cal McNair, voted to drastically change the NFL kickoff in a controversial decision at the Annual League Meeting this week. Once one of the most exciting plays in football, only 22 percent of kicks resulted in returns last season. 

Why the significant change?  The hope is for more explosive returns with added player safety. Kickoff returns will look very different before the ball gets kicked. 

Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31)

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The revamped kickoff format prohibits the kicking team from moving until the ball contacts or is fielded within a designated "landing zone." That zone is the area between the receiving team's goal line and its 20-yard line. Kickoffs remain at the 35-yard line but the other 10 players of the kicking unit line up at the opposing team's 40-yard line.

Teams are permitted to place up to two returners in the "landing zone," and returners cannot utilize a fair catch, as they could in 2023.  There will be no surprise onside kicks. Teams can attempt an onside kick in the fourth quarter but must notify the officials first. 

Owners agreed to a one-year trial of the new format, which is borrowed heavily from what was used in the XFL spring league. 

The change certainly boosts the value of returners in the NFL. For the Texans, Dameon Pierce could see his role increase. In 2023, Pierce led the Texans with 225 kick return yards, including a beautiful 98-yard return for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. 

Currently, Houston is focused on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. The Texans are scouting and interviewing prospects with an eye on improving a few key position groups, including defensive end and cornerback. Houston traded the No. 23 selection to the Minnesota Vikings but coach DeMeco Ryans remains confident there are players on Day 2 who will be difference-makers.