NFL moves touchbacks to the 35-yard line

[tk13]

Seems like this was overshadowed by the OT rules and the tush push but this might have a bigger impact than any other rule change. Clearly trying hard to create more kickoff returns.

NFL ownership voted on Tuesday at the Annual League Meeting to continue to utilize the dynamic kickoff, while moving the ball spot on touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line for kicks sent into the end zone, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

The league debuted the dynamic kickoff on a one-year trial for the 2024 season with the goal of injecting life into what had essentially become a ceremonial play while also preserving player health and safety. The results in 2024 were a success. The league saw 332 more kickoff returns, bumping the previous 21.8% return rate up to 32.8%. There were also 59 big-play returns (returns of 40 or more yards) last season, which was the highest figure since 2016.

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-...o-35-yard-line