NFL Officials Gather to Discuss Altering Kickoff Rule; Texans Impact?
Decades ago, the NFL adopted kickoff rules from the original USFL. With kickoffs scarce last season, the NFL might now adopt the XFL's kickoff model for 2024. NFL owners may vote on this proposal in March, per NFL Media.
During their meeting in Indianapolis ahead of the new league year, the NFL Competition Committee reportedly discussed a potential rule change regarding kickoffs.
According to the Washington Post, the committee may propose adjustments to mirror the format used by the XFL in 2023. The proposed rule change would require 24 votes for enactment.
Last season, the NFL implemented a rule allowing fair catches on kickoffs, but according to the Washington Post, this change was intended to be temporary.
In the XFL, kickoffs began from the kicking team's 30-yard line. Players from the kicking team lined up at the receiving team's 35-yard line, while blockers from the receiving team positioned themselves on their own 30-yard line.
Under the XFL's kickoff rule movement was restricted until the ball was caught or three seconds after it touched the ground, with only the kicker and the returner allowed to move during this time.
Kickoffs that went out of bounds or failed to reach the receiving team's 20-yard line resulted in the ball being moved to the kicking team's 45-yard line.
A touchback is awarded when the ball enters the end zone or bounces into it. If the ball sails into the end zone without touching the ground, the receiving team gains possession at the 35-yard line. If the ball bounces into the end zone, the receiving team starts their possession at the 15-yard line.
In addition, a team has the option to request an onside kick, which must travel a minimum of 10 yards but cannot exceed 20 yards. Alternatively, the team may choose to attempt the 4th-and-15 option instead of kicking off. If successful, they retain possession of the ball.
So why is the NFL seeking a change? In order to increase kickoff returns while reducing high-speed collisions.
In 2023, only 22 percent of kickoffs were returned, and none of the 13 kickoffs in Super Bowl LVIII resulted in returns. The league's objective is to enhance returns without raising the concussion rate, as concussions during kickoffs prompted recent rule changes.
As for the Houston Texans, they stand atop the league in kick returns, boasting an impressive 26.7 percent kick return average, the highest in the NFL. The Texans also had two touchdowns scored on kick returns, which was the most in the league.
However, with the potential changes to kickoff rules looming, the Texans could face significant impacts.
With their remarkable success in kick returns, the Texans are poised to adapt their game strategy and overall performance to any potential alterations in kickoff rules.
