NFL Considering New Kickoff Procedure Based On XFL Rules

The NFL is reportedly considering changes to its kickoff rules in order to improve safety regulations for one of the most dangerous plays in the sport. The XFL, with its own rules for kickoffs, has apparently proven to be an inspiration.

Under the NFL’s current rules, kickoffs are contested from the opposing team’s 35-yard line and defending players may begin moving behind the line before the ball is kicked. This play, likened to a stampede, leads to more injuries every season than any other area of the game. Punt returns provide similar problems but are mitigated by less open space at the line of scrimmage.

In May, officials tried to make a rule limiting these open-field collisions, allowing kickoff returners to call for fair catches. These would place the ball at the 25-yard line like a touchback. Many players and coaches responded very poorly to this change, however, with Patriots star defender Matthew Slater arguing in a USA Today interview that the rule wouldn’t actually help players.

“They say that they’re making the play safer. But the reality is, they haven’t done a single thing to make the play safer,” Slater said. “They haven’t changed the rules, they haven’t changed the techniques. There’s still going to be collisions that occur if the ball is not fair caught.”

Now back at the drawing board, officials are reportedly considering adopting changes in line with the XFL’s current rules. Instead of kicking from the 35-yard line, XFL kickers kick from the 30, with defenders lining up at the opposite 35-yard line. Five yards ahead of them, ten players on the receiving team line up and the receiver sets up behind them. Only the kicker and receiver can move before the ball is kicked.

In this formation, players have far less room to build up momentum, limiting the severity of player collisions and possibilities for injuries. According to ESPN, approximately 90% of XFL kicks were returned this season, as opposed to 40% in the NFL.