NFL’s New Touchback Rule: How It Will Shape Kickoffs and Special Teams Strategy

NFL owners have officially approved a rule change that moves the touchback spot on kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. This decision is set to have a major impact on special teams strategy, as it incentivizes more returns while limiting the effectiveness of automatic touchbacks. While at first glance this adjustment appears to benefit offenses, the league’s reasoning aligns with last season’s revamped kickoff format: reducing injuries while increasing excitement by bringing returns back into the game.

Injury Reduction and Increased Return Rate Under the New Kickoff Format

The modified kickoff structure, introduced in 2024 and modeled after the XFL’s approach, has already demonstrated a significant impact on player safety. According to NBC Sports, NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller stated that the injury rate on kickoffs has “dropped dramatically” compared to previous seasons. The league found that player speeds on kickoffs decreased by about 20%, reducing the number of high-impact collisions.

In terms of return rates, the league saw a notable increase. The percentage of kickoffs returned jumped from 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% in 2024 following the implementation of the new format, according to NBC Sports. However, this was still the second-lowest return rate in NFL history, with only 21.5% of kicks landing in the designated return zone. To further encourage returns, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that the NFL now projects the touchback rule change will push the kickoff return rate to an estimated 65-75% in the upcoming season.

Why Not Just Move the Kicker Back?

Some have questioned why the NFL didn’t simply move kickers back 10 yards instead of altering the touchback spot. The answer lies in long-term effectiveness. While pushing the kicker back would make it harder to reach the end zone, it wouldn’t eliminate the problem. There are kickers like Brandon Aubrey, Chris Boswell, and Ka’imi Fairbairn with powerful legs who could still send the ball deep into or out of the end zone, effectively maintaining the status quo. Even those who currently lack that level of leg strength would likely train to compensate, and teams without a kicker capable of doing so would prioritize acquiring one. This would result in a temporary fix rather than a lasting solution, forcing the league to revisit the issue again in the near future. By adjusting the touchback placement instead, the league is implementing a change that fundamentally reshapes strategy rather than just delaying the inevitable.

Implications for Special Teams Strategy

With the touchback now spotted at the 35-yard line, kickers will be under increased pressure to be precise with their placement. Simply booting the ball out of the end zone will no longer be the safest option, as teams will want to avoid giving opposing offenses such favorable field position. This means kickers will need to master directional kicks, aiming to pin returners deep and force them to run the ball out, adding a layer of strategy to special teams play.

Additionally, special teams coordinators will need to get creative with their coverage schemes and return strategies. The importance of return specialists, blockers, and tacklers will increase significantly. In previous years, fringe roster players often secured their spots through special teams contributions, and this change will only amplify that trend. Players with elite open-field tackling ability or dynamic return skills will likely see a boost in value, potentially extending careers and securing roster spots.

The Future of NFL Kickoffs

With data already showing a significant increase in returns and a decrease in injury rates under the 2024 kickoff format, this latest adjustment may further the league’s efforts to make special teams a more strategic and entertaining part of the game. The NFL has now taken another step toward revitalizing kickoffs while maintaining its emphasis on player safety. As teams adjust to these new dynamics, the impact of this rule change will become clearer in the seasons to come.