Last year I created two pieces of content on the changes to kickoffs, which included a different fair-catch option, and more (articles here and here). My ultimate thoughts included that the kickoff was boring and predictable already, and that the 2023 changes were one step along a path of just eliminating the play altogether. Well I might have been wrong. The NFL adopted drastically different rules for the 2024 season on a one-year trial and on the surface it looks like they want MORE kickoff returns, not less. Let’s dive in!
The Rule Itself
you can find more information on the rule right from the NFL itself.