The NFL changed the kickoff rule by moving it up to the 35-yard line in order to create more touchbacks and ultimately decrease the number of kickoff returns. There were several reasons behind this decision.
1. Player safety: The primary motivation for changing the kickoff rule was to address concerns about player safety. Kickoff returns are often high-impact plays, with players running at full speed and colliding with each other. This poses a significant risk of injuries, particularly concussions. By increasing the likelihood of touchbacks, the NFL hoped to reduce the number of high-speed collisions and thus decrease the risk of injuries.
2. Concussion research: Over the past decade, there has been a growing awareness of the long-term consequences of concussions in football. Numerous studies have highlighted the link between repetitive head trauma and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease. The NFL has faced criticism for not doing enough to protect its players, and changing the kickoff rule was seen as a step towards improving player safety and mitigating the risk of concussions.
3. Rule changes in college football: The NCAA had already made changes to their kickoff rules prior to the NFL’s decision. In 2012, college football moved the kickoff line from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, resulting in an increase in touchbacks. The success of this rule change in college football likely influenced the NFL’s decision to implement a similar change.
4. Improving game flow: Another factor that may have influenced the NFL’s decision was the desire to improve the overall flow of the game. Kickoff returns can be exciting, but they can also result in penalties, injuries, and time-consuming plays. By increasing the number of touchbacks, the league aimed to reduce the number of stoppages and keep the game moving.
Despite these intentions, the NFL’s rule change did not have the desired impact on kickoff returns. While there has been an increase in touchbacks, it has not been as significant as anticipated. Several factors have contributed to this outcome:
1. Kickers and returners adapting: Kickers have become more skilled at placing the ball strategically to prevent touchbacks. By angling their kicks towards the corner of the field, they can force returners to make a decision between attempting a return or letting the ball go out of bounds. Returners, on the other hand, have become more adept at fielding kicks near the end zone and making a return. These adjustments by both kickers and returners have reduced the number of touchbacks.
2. Rule changes on touchbacks: In 2016, the NFL also introduced a rule change that placed touchbacks at the 25-yard line instead of the 20-yard line. This incentivized returners to take the risk and run the ball out of the end zone in hopes of gaining better field position. The rule change had the unintended consequence of discouraging touchbacks and increasing the number of kickoff returns.
3. Special teams strategies: Teams have developed different strategies to maximize their chances of a successful kickoff return. Some teams focus on setting up blocking schemes and finding gaps in the coverage, while others prioritize touchbacks and rely on their defense. These strategic approaches have contributed to the ongoing presence of kickoff returns despite the rule change.
The NFL changed the kickoff rule to prioritize player safety, address concerns about concussions, and improve the flow of the game. However, the desired decrease in kickoff returns has not been as significant as anticipated. Kickers and returners have adapted, rule changes on touchbacks have influenced return decisions, and special teams strategies have played a role in maintaining the presence of kickoff returns.