The NFL’s new kickoff format has received largely positive feedback. However, the league apparently still wants to tweak one particular aspect.

The kickoff in the NFL has been repeatedly modified in recent years.

The new “Dynamic Kickoff”, which has been in place since 2024 and was adjusted again before last season, received mostly positive reviews. The number of injuries was reduced, while there were significantly more returns.

However, the new rule also has a loophole that is to be closed at next week’s annual league meeting. The NFL Competition Committee proposed a total of five rule changes, one of which concerns a special case.

The specific case is when the kickoff is moved 15 yards due to a personal penalty. In this case, the kickoff is taken at the 50-yard line instead of the 35-yard line of the kicking team.

Intentional kickoffs out of bounds should no longer be rewarded

The previous rule ensured that the team taking the kickoff had the greatest advantage if it simply kicked the ball out of bounds. In this case, the opposing team received the ball at their 25-yard line instead of the usual 40-yard line.

In the case of a normal touchback, when the kickoff flies into the end zone and is not returned, it would have started at the 35-yard line. In other words, from where the drive would have started in the event of a touchback even if the kickoff had not been moved.

In order to prevent these intentional kicks from going out of bounds, the league now wants to make a change. In future, touchbacks on kickoffs from the halfway line will mean that the opposing team must start its drive at the 20-yard line.

In order for the rule to be officially adopted, 24 of the 32 teams must agree to it at the league meeting.