Free agent Cordarrelle Patterson has an NFL record of nine kick return touchdowns since being drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Huge kickoff rule change expected to increase special teams production

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 3/27/24

The NFL approved a significant rule change for special teams on Tuesday that should breathe fresh life into a decaying play.

For years, the league has neutered the importance of kickoffs. First, it moved kickoffs from the 30-yard to the 35-yard line, increasing the number of touchbacks. Then, it moved touchbacks from the 20-yard to the 25-yard line, motivating players not to field kickoff returns. After that, the league allowed fair catches on returns, having the ball come out to the 25-yard line.

The revised rule changes the play's formation. While kickers will still kick off from their own 35-yard line, the kicking team's other 10 players will line up 25 yards down the field at their opponent's 40-yard line.

New kickoff rules will actually be a good thing

It’ll bring more value to the players and that particular play.

You’re essentially penalized if you don’t kick it in the landing zone, resulting in more action overall.

I think it’ll be more entertaining for the fans. pic.twitter.com/pa4H2BM50j
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) March 26, 2024

The return team will have at least nine players between their own 30- and 35-yard line with no more than two returners.

The kick must fall in the "landing zone," or between the return team's goal line and 20-yard line, and no fair catches are allowed.

A kickoff that doesn't reach the landing zone will result in the return team taking over possession at their own 40-yard line. If it lands inside the 20, travels into the end zone and isn't returned, the offense will take over at its own 20-yard line.

Kickers need to display a deft touch. The rule, which is being adopted for a one-year period, penalizes kickers if their kick sails out of the back of the end zone. If it does, the offense will receive the ball at its own 35-yard line.

The game's best returners, including Saints wideout Rashid Shaheed and Packers corner Keisean Nixon, just became much more valuable, as did 2024 free-agent Cordarrelle Patterson, who has an NFL-record nine kick return touchdowns since being drafted in the first round (29th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

After years of the play fading in relevance, the kickoff rule changes make it integral again and something worth watching.

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