New NFL onside kick rule: Explaining changes to exciting special teams play

The NFL changed its kickoff rules for the 2024 season to increase the number of returns and decrease the number of head-on collisions.

With the new kickoff format, the non-kickers and non-returners from each side will line up five yards apart between the 35- and 30-yard line. The kicker will be on his own 40-yard line, while the returners will be in the "landing zone" between the receiving team's end zone and 20-yard line.

When you start to map out the new alignment in your head, there might be an immediate thought that comes to mind: What about onside kicks?

Unfortunately, the new kickoff rules will eliminate the possibility of a surprise onside kick. Here's how the rule change affects that aspect of the special teams' play.

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New NFL onside kick rule, explained

With the NFL's new kickoff rules, teams will have to declare an onside kick to the officials so both the kick and return teams can adjust where they line up.

That means there will be no more surprise onside kicks like former Saints head coach Sean Payton pulled off to open the second half of Super Bowl 44 .

The biggest change is that onside kicks will only be allowed in the fourth quarter, and the team attempting the onside kick must be trailing.

Teams are also only allowed to attempt a maximum of two onside kicks in a single game.

The NFL did note in its official rules release that the kicking team would be penalized if the onside kick goes beyond the "setup zone" untouched, and the return team would start the draft at the "A20-yard line." There were no specifics written as to what the "setup zone" qualifies as for onside kicks, though.

The rest of the current onside kick rules will remain in place, with the ball having to travel 10 yards before it can be touched by the kicking team.