NFL owners approve new kickoff style for upcoming season

The NFL owners at the annual meetings in Orlando Florida Tuesday voted to adopt a new kick off style moving forward. The new NFL kick off format is the same the XFL currently and is designed to increase declining return rates while also lowering concussion rates. Kickers will continue to kick from the 35 yard line with the other 10 players lining up in the “set up zone” at the receiving team’s 40 yard line. The return team must have at least nine players between their own 35 and 30 yard line with up to two returners in the “landing zone” between the goal line and 20 yard line. Touch backs will be awarded at the 30 yard line and no fair catches will be allowed. If a team wants to attempt an onside kick it will need to inform officials about that before the play. This will eliminate surprise onside kicks.