New NFL Kickoff Rules Spark Serious Buzz After Being Used For The First Time Thursday Night

Did you notice something odd about the opening kickoff during the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans preseason matchup in Canton, Ohio, Thursday night? Well, get used to it. The NFL is debuting new kickoff rules this season with the idea to make it more exciting while being more cautious about player safety.

The intentions are good after the majority of kickoffs resulted in a touchback last season, but it will take some time getting used too.

It is called the "dynamic kickoff," and the kicker kicks off from the 35-yard line while the other ten players and the receiving team lineup at the opposing 40-yard line.

Nine receiving team players must be in what they call the "set-up zone," while the other two can be lined up as returners. Touchbacks that land in the end zone are now brought out to the 30-yard line, while the 20-yard line to the end zone is referred to as the "landing zone" and can be returned.

NFL clubs approved this for the 2024 season, and the preseason will be a huge opportunity for teams to truly get as used to this as they can and make adjustments as they get more reps with it.

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