Skip to content
San Diego Post

San Diego Post

Your Pulse on Local Stories and National News

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Primary Menu
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Health
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sports

NFL proposes rule change to double kickoff returns in 2025

Jacob Shelton March 27, 2025

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
(Image Credit: IMAGN)

Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis (12) runs back a kickoff against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

United States – The NFL is proposing a rule change that could dramatically increase the percentage of kickoffs returned in 2025. If passed, the new rule would move touchbacks to the 35-yard line, potentially doubling the rate of kickoffs returned compared to 2024.

In 2024, 33% of kickoffs were returned under the NFL’s “dynamic” kickoff rule, an increase from the 22% return rate seen in 2023. However, that return percentage was still the second-lowest in league history. In 2022, 38% of kickoffs were returned, a sharp contrast to the period before 2013 when most kickoffs were returned.

The “dynamic” rule, implemented in 2024, moved touchbacks to the 30-yard line. This change led many teams to prefer kicking the ball into the end zone, as it was deemed safer than allowing a potentially dangerous long return. As a result, 64% of kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.

Under the proposed rule change, moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line would encourage teams to return the ball more often, with the NFL estimating that 60% to 70% of kickoffs would be returned. The NFL Competition Committee has concluded that the extra five yards on touchbacks will prompt most kicking teams to keep the ball in play, which aligns with the league’s goal of making kickoffs more action-packed.

The NFL introduced the “dynamic” kickoff rule to reduce injuries, which had spiked in previous seasons. Data from 2024 suggests the rule has been successful in lowering injuries to a level similar to other plays on the field. Now, the league is focused on increasing the excitement and competitiveness of kickoffs, aiming to bring more action back to a part of the game that had become mostly routine.

If the proposal passes, fans could see a noticeable increase in kickoffs returned during the 2025 season, adding more dynamic plays to NFL games.

Related

Continue Reading

Previous: Trump’s 25% auto tariffs could drive up car prices, sparking trade war
Next: California’s Homelessness Numbers Skyrocket: Over 187,000 People Living on the Streets

Related Stories

(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Sports

Golden State Valkyries waive Julie Vanloo just hours after her return from EuroBasket triumph

Jacob Shelton July 1, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Sports

Gavin Sheets proves his worth again as Padres rally past Reds

Jacob Shelton June 29, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Sports

Padres watch Nick Martinez nearly make history in Cincinnati

Jacob Shelton June 28, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Sports

Pivetta dazzles as Padres edge Nats 1-0

Jacob Shelton June 26, 2025
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
  • Sports

California given 10 days to ban trans athletes or face federal consequences

Jacob Shelton June 25, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Sports

Fernando Tatis Jr. sues over alleged predatory contract that could cost him $34 Million

Jacob Shelton June 24, 2025

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Trending News

980 California properties still covered in fire debris after cleanup deadline passes (Image Credit: IMAGN) 1

980 California properties still covered in fire debris after cleanup deadline passes

July 1, 2025
California law requires 2 new safety measures in bars to prevent drink spiking (Image Credit: IMAGN) 2

California law requires 2 new safety measures in bars to prevent drink spiking

July 1, 2025
California official launches 2-pronged effort to stop ‘unjust’ immigration arrests after brutal viral video (Image Credit: IMAGN) 3

California official launches 2-pronged effort to stop ‘unjust’ immigration arrests after brutal viral video

July 1, 2025
Floating trash boom stops 500 tons of waste from crossing into U.S. from Mexico (Image Credit: Getty Images) 4

Floating trash boom stops 500 tons of waste from crossing into U.S. from Mexico

July 1, 2025
Musk threatens to primary ‘nearly every’ Republican in Congress after Trump feud (Image Credit: Getty Images) 5

Musk threatens to primary ‘nearly every’ Republican in Congress after Trump feud

July 1, 2025
Golden State Valkyries waive Julie Vanloo just hours after her return from EuroBasket triumph (Image Credit: IMAGN) 6

Golden State Valkyries waive Julie Vanloo just hours after her return from EuroBasket triumph

July 1, 2025
California cracks down on fireworks as officials warn of dangerous July Fourth (Image Credit: IMAGN) 7

California cracks down on fireworks as officials warn of dangerous July Fourth

July 1, 2025

You may have missed

(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Local News

980 California properties still covered in fire debris after cleanup deadline passes

Jacob Shelton July 1, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Local News

California law requires 2 new safety measures in bars to prevent drink spiking

Jacob Shelton July 1, 2025
(Image Credit: IMAGN)
  • Local News

California official launches 2-pronged effort to stop ‘unjust’ immigration arrests after brutal viral video

Jacob Shelton July 1, 2025
(Image Credit: Getty Images)
  • Local News

Floating trash boom stops 500 tons of waste from crossing into U.S. from Mexico

Jacob Shelton July 1, 2025

Recent Posts

  • 980 California properties still covered in fire debris after cleanup deadline passes
  • California law requires 2 new safety measures in bars to prevent drink spiking
  • California official launches 2-pronged effort to stop ‘unjust’ immigration arrests after brutal viral video
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Health
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved.