Super Bowl LIX took place in New Orleans. (Image: Getty)
There could be more big changes coming to the NFL this year as long as team owners don’t block proposals. The 2024 season, which culminated in in , introduced new dynamic kickoff regulations which proved popular with fans.
But now the kicking rules are set to be amended further following comments from NFL Competition Committee co-chair Rich McKay.
He said the league are considering moving both the spot of a touchback to the receiving team’s 35-yard line and moving the kickoff line five yards backwards.
Last season, kickoffs took place from the 35-yard line, while touchbacks meant drives starting at the receiving team’s 30-yard line. The regulation is designed to further encourage teams to boost return attempts.
Under the dynamic kickoff rules in 2024, the league reportedly boasted 332 more kickoff returns than in 2023. In theory, moving a touchback five yards closer to an eventual score should encourage kickers to target the landing zone between the receiving team’s goal line and 20-yard line.
Furthermore, authorities are also reportedly considering changing laws regarding onside kicks. However, any new proposals will be subject to voting at the Annual League Meeting on March 30.
NFL Competition Committee co-chair Rich McKay. (Image: Getty)
Under current guidelines, 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners must approve a proposal for it to be passed. That means if nine owners or more reject a notion, it will be blocked.
Speaking to the Washington Post, Mckay admitted he didn’t expect both the new kicking suggestions to be approved. “You’ll have people that’ll say both,” he said.
“You’ll have people say one or the other. It’s always easier to start with one or the other than it is both. And you want to have all of the health and safety implications or potential implications from either change.
“But I think it’ll be one or the other, I would think. You never know. I know there’s people already talking about, ‘Hey, let’s talk about both.’ But I also know there’s this thing called 24 votes.”
The Annual League Meeting is taking place at Palm Beach, Florida. It runs for four days, finishing on April 2.