How The NFL Rule Changes For Onside Kicks Will Alter Play

Last week, the NFL voted for changes to the onside kick rule.

At the moment, teams can only elect to attempt an onside kick in the fourth quarter. NFL owners changed the onside kicks rule, which would allow the trailing team to declare an onside kick at any point during the game instead of only in the fourth quarter. The team behind on the scoreboard is still the only team that can attempt an onside kick. That rule will remain in place and is not under discussion.

The rule will also modify the formation requirements for the kicking team on onside kicks, allowing players from the kicking team to have their front foot on the restraining line for onside kicks. This would allow them to be closer and could help them recover onside kicks.

On April 1, NFL owners approved a vote to move the spot of a kickoff touchback from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. The change aims to encourage additional returns, building on last season’s 32.8% return rate, which represents an 11% increase from 2023’s 21.8%.

Another avenue the NFL could have pursued was to adopt one of the proposed onside kick alternatives, which would allow the kicking team to put their offense back on the field, giving them one chance to gain 15 yards. If the kicking team can convert a fourth-and-15, they keep possession of the ball. These proposals have failed to generate much support within the NFL, but in minor football leagues, they have provided some exciting late-game scenarios. The rule is designed to encourage more offensive plays and potentially keep possession of the football in late-game situations.

League owners blocked proposals to ban the ‘Tush Push’ play.