How Changing NFL Kickoff Rules Could Mean More Returns, Fewer Touchbacks, More Thrills

In a season of changes for the Tennessee Titans — new coaches, new players — special-teams play will grow in importance with the NFL's new kickoff requirements.

Tennessee Titans place kicker Nick Folk (6) sits between Ryan Tannehill (17) and long snapper Morgan / Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA

NASHVILLE — Come September, Tennessee Titans fans will notice a dramatic difference besides all the fresh faces on the roster. Based on the rule change to NFL kickoffs, the very first play of 2024 will start a new adventure.

Expect fewer touchbacks, more returns, better field position and, hopefully, more thrills.

In recent years, the NFL has faced a major concern regarding high injury rates during kickoffs. The league introduced rules to discourage players from returning kickoffs by offering field-position incentives for touchbacks and fair catches.

The success of these measures and the increased distance of kickoffs have been so effective that in 2023 only 21 percent of kickoffs were returned. As recently as 2010, the percentages were flipped, with 80 percent of kickoffs returned.

New Rule

The kicker begins from his 35-yard line, but he is alone on his side of the field. The remaining 10 players of the kicking team position themselves on the receiving team's 40-yard line.

Meanwhile, the return team must have at least nine players in the "setup zone," between their 35- and 30-yard lines. Seven of those players must be lined up on the 35.

Only the kicker and the returner can move until the ball lands in the "landing zone," so named because the ball must land or be caught in that area between the receiving team's goal line and 20-yard line. This is done to prevent the opposing team from gaining excellent field position.

If the ball is kicked into the end zone and not returned, it will result in a touchback, but the ball will be placed at the 30-yard line — compared to the previous touchback rule, a 5-yard penalty for the kicking team. If the ball is kicked out of bounds, it will be placed at the 40.

If the ball lands in the proper area but rolls into the end zone, a touchback will place the ball at the 20-yard line — this time, a 5-yard punishment meant to encourage returns.

In some ways, the Titans are ironically ahead of the curve. Nick Folk ranked next-to-last in the NFL last season for kickoff touchbacks, at 47 percent.

Ramifications

According to projections by Rich McKay, the chairman of the NFL's competition committee, between 50 and 60 percent of kickoffs are expected to be returned in 2024.

In 2023, only four kickoffs were returned for touchdowns. That number is expected to rise in 2024. Minimally, starting field position is expected to improve — from the 25-yard line to the 28 or 29.

Injuries will likely increase. Even if the rate is reduced to something comparable to that of a regular play from scrimmage, as the NFL intended, the expected 1,000 more plays probably will lead to a greater number of injuries.

Kickoff returners could be in demand. At the least, the kickoff will be a play worth watching.

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