ORLANDO, Fla. (CB) — Offense, Defense, SPECIAL TEAMS! One of the most exciting parts of football is returning this year, the return. The NFL has adopted an XFL rule that increases player safety while discouraging touchbacks.

The major overhaul to special teams passed with a 29-3 vote and is set to begin in the 2024 season on a trial basis and will be the subject of review for renewal in 2025.

The NFL competition committee has been working to reform kick offs in the NFL for years to the point they had essentially stopped them in their entirety. Last season there were a total of 1,970 touchbacks on kickoffs and another 92 fair catches. The new rule aims to avoid any dead play with a ball caught in the field of play requiring a return.

The rule limits movement of the non ball carriers to promote player safety by limiting the “You Got JACKED UP” of yesteryear. This is how it works: ten kick coverage players will line up at the opposing 40 yard line across from at least nine blockers from the return team lined up between the 30-35 yard line (at least seven of whom must be on the 35).Movement is limited on both sides with only the kicker and two returners allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched inside the 20.

Sounds confusing so lets take a look..

While there is no shortage of hardos thrilled to complain about how the NFL is putting dresses on players and showing player’s celebrity girlfriends too much. This is a good rule that brings back at least in a sense one of the most exciting plays in the sport. They will be watching, as will I.

AP Story