NFL Owners Approve Overhaul of Kickoff Rules; Sean McVay Reacts

NFL owners have given the green light to a significant overhaul of kickoff rules aimed at encouraging more returns.

Super Bowl LVIII - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs / Luke Hales/GettyImages

2024 is looking to be the year of the kickoff return in the NFL after owners decided to move forward and overhaul previous kickoff rules on Tuesday.

The new changes draw from kickoff rules in the XFL and are set to debut in the NFL in 2024, following years of development. NFL Competition Committee chairman Rich McKay emphasized the urgency to vote on the rule, noting its potential impact on roster structures ahead of the draft. 

Rams coach Sean McVay revealed his feelings on the new rule on Monday morning at the NFL Owners meetings, expressing his support.

Nov 6, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Rams place kicker Matt Gay (8) kicks off against the / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

"I think it's important. You want to be able to keep the foot in the game," McVay said. "And so there's been a real conscientious effort to try to be able to do that. We'll see if that goes through."

Last season, there were 1,970 touchbacks on kickoffs, which could now turn into returns, along with 92 fair catches that are no longer permitted. Under the new rule, any ball caught in the field of play must be returned.

Other coaches view the proposed rule change as a significant shift as well.

“It’s a drastic kind of move that’s going to be way different," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Is that the right move at this time? I don’t know. I think that’s to be determined.”

The kickoff rule, designed to prioritize player safety and revitalize the often overlooked kickoff returns, is set to debut in 2024 on a trial basis. This measure aims to address concerns surrounding concussions and injuries while also infusing excitement into what some perceive as a stagnant aspect of the game.

As teams adapt to these changes, the league will closely monitor its impact on strategies and gameplay dynamics.