NFL Competition Committee Proposes Permanent Dynamic Kickoff Rule with Adjusted Touchback Spot

The committee suggests moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line and making the 2024 kickoff rule permanent to enhance safety and encourage more returns.

The NFL Competition Committee has proposed making the dynamic kickoff rule, trialed in 2024, a permanent fixture in the league.
A key adjustment in the proposal includes moving touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line to incentivize more kickoff returns.
The 2024 kickoff changes led to a 43% reduction in concussion rates and increased return rates from 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% last season.
The proposed changes require approval from 24 of the 32 team owners during the upcoming annual league meeting to be implemented for the 2025 season.
Additional rule proposals under consideration include expanding instant replay, modifying onside kick rules, and other game adjustments.