NFL Fans React to Watching First 'Dynamic Kickoff' in Bears-Texans Preseason Tilt

Karl Rasmussen | Aug 2, 2024

NFL debuts the Dynamic Kickoff during the 2024 Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans. / Screenshot via NFL on X

The NFL officially returned on Thursday as the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans took part in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

All eyes were on the opening kick, but not only because it was the first taste of the NFL that fans have had since the Super Bowl. Thursday's opening kickoff was special because it was the debut of the league's newly-implemented "dynamic kickoff."

The NFL adjusted its rules on kickoffs for the 2024 season in order to promote player safety and reduce the high volume of injuries that occur on special teams plays. The full details of the rules of the Dynamic Kickoff can be found here.

Bears kicker Cairo Santos had the honors of kicking the first dynamic kickoff, booting it out to Steven Sims, who returned it 21 yards.

For the first time... the Dynamic Kickoff 🙌

📺: @ProFootballHOF Game on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wga0LmuvtH

— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2024

Although it may not seem like much on surface level, football fans had plenty to say about the new kickoff rules, and they sounded off on social media.

The new kickoff is going to look fake for the rest of our lives. We are gonna have to remind ourselves we are still doing that on every kickoff we see until we pass on. It won't do. I'm sorry to say we need to just go back to touchbacks.

— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) August 2, 2024

Feel like most special teams coordinators will hide their more creative approaches to the new kickoff during the preseason

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 2, 2024

It may actually take me a decade to get used to this kickoff https://t.co/AH8ni2OuIg

— NYJ Matt (@NYJ_Matt) August 2, 2024

This gives both special teams more strategy for the kickoff team to get to the returner
Safer rule
Less touchbacks, more returns

But everyone's 1st instinct is saying it's horrible https://t.co/zUKOJz31ZM

— Russ' TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) August 2, 2024

So far the new NFL kickoff is underwhelming.

— Lexi (@lexiosborne) August 2, 2024

First thought after the TD was “yes! we get another kickoff!”

So glad they fixed the kickoff 🙏 🙏🙏

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) August 2, 2024