NFL kickoffs had one of the high octane starts. As per the existing rules, the ball will be kicked high and sent soaring towards its receivers. However, in most cases, this resulted in the play ending in a touchback, resetting the action at the 25-yard line. Now, while this was the norm for a long time, NFL teams and players did not seem to be too fond of it.

Thus, looking for a change, the NFL owners sat together to devise and approve a completely new form of kickoff known as the ‘dynamic kickoff.’ So, what exactly is the dynamic kickoff? Here’s everything that you need to know.

What Is The Dynamic Kickoff Rule In The NFL? 

The kickoff strategy for the new rule still remains the same. All the teams will be starting their kickoffs from the 35-yard line. However, all the other players will now be lining up on the 40-yard line of the receiving team. From now on, this line will be known as the ‘kickoff start line.’ On the contrary, in the case of the receiving team, nine of their players will start from the ‘setup zone.’ This zone is supposed to be between the receiving team’s 30-yard and 35-yard line. Additionally, a maximum of two players can stay back to return incoming kicks.

What Is The Purpose Of The New Dynamic Kickoff Rule? 

In the previous setup, the players of both teams looked to get a running start. This increased the probability of a collision, making the athletes pick up more injuries than usual. Luckily, with the new rule being implemented, both teams will start on the same side. This will eliminate the possibility of players colliding with each other and, in turn, reduce the risk of injury.

How Does The Dynamic Kickoff Rule Work In The NFL? 

As per the new NFL rules, athletes from the start line and in the setup zone can make a move only when a catch is made. They can also move when a kick lands in the landing zone. In an interesting addition, all the kicks that fall in the landing zone have to be returned.

New implementations also reduce touchbacks. If the ball from kickoff ends up in the end zone, it will result in a touchback. However, this time, the receiving team will start from the 30-yard line instead of the previous 25 yards. This will apparently act as a demotivating agent, and teams will try to refrain from booting the football into the end zone.

New implementations also reduce touchbacks. If the ball from kickoff ends up in the end zone, it will result in a touchback. However, this time, the receiving team will start from the 30-yard line instead of the previous 25 yards. This will apparently act as a demotivating agent, and teams will try to refrain from booting the football into the end zone.

More Things To Know About Dynamic Kickoff

Well, there is an exception to the end zone rule this time. For example, if the ball initially hits the landing zone and then drops to the end zone, the receiving team has the option to return. But they can also choose to for a touchback and take possession at the 20-yard line.

On the contrary, if the ball does not trickle down to the end zone, the resulting play will be a return. Finally, when a kick goes out of bounds or lands short of the landing zone, the game will restart while placing the ball on the 40-yard mark.

Has The Onside Kick Rule Also Changed? 

Yes. The kicking team will be required to reveal beforehand whether an onside kick is possible. Otherwise, the old onside kick rule will apply.

How Did The Idea Of Dynamic Kickoff Come Up? 

The latest amendments resulted from an extended brainstorming session with the owners and input from the players. However, according to a Forbes report, the latest rules are eerily similar to the XFL kickoff rules. For the uninitiated, the XFL is a minor professional football league that Vince McMahon initially incorporated. Later, the promotion was sold to a group that also included WWE and Hollywood superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Surprisingly, CBS reported that XFL had a whopping four times more kickoff returns in 2023 alone than the NFL. On the contrary, the NFL had only 20.5% kick returns in the first week of the previous season. According to ESPN, these numbers are believed to be the lowest single-week return rate since 2000.