Lions thrilled to flex special-teams prowess as NFL makes efforts to revamp kickoff rules

ORLANDO, FLA. >> NFL kickoffs are going to look significantly different in 2024.

The league approved an overhaul to the play on Tuesday, in hopes of increasing the number of returns, while keeping injury risks in the range of a normal offensive or defensive play.

Here are the basics of how it will work:

Kicks will continue to take place from the 35-yard line, but the 10 non-kickers from the coverage unit will line up at the opposing 40yard line.

The receiving team will have seven blockers in a “setup” zone, between their 30- and 35-yard line. Additionally, receiving teams can have up to two returners in a “landing zone,” defined as the area between their goal line and 20-yard line.

Only the kicker and returners are permitted to move until the ball either hits the ground or is fielded. Fair catches have been eliminated and a touchback on a ball kicked into the end zone on the fly will result in the ball coming out to the 30-yard line.

Onside kicks will understandably be impacted by the new rule, including the elimination of surprise onside attempts. Onside kicks can now only be attempted in the fourth quarter by a trailing team. The traditional kickoff formation will be utilized on those plays.

The Lions had been in favor of the kickoff change, even before the proposal gained enough support to pass at the league meetings. Coach Dan Campbell explained why at a breakfast for NFC coaches prior to the vote.

“Absolutely in favor of it, because it gives us a chance to play special teams,” Campbell said. “What happened last year, you really felt like that took a significant number of plays out of the game, and those were from special teams. You don’t really make it up anywhere else. And so just we put an emphasis on it. I believe in it.”

The design of the new kickoff will mimic what the XFL previously utilized. Campbell said he and Dave Fipp have already been studying clips from that league, looking for ways to maximize the setup.

“You’re looking at different body types, and returners, and you’re looking at scheme,” Campbell said. “I think that’s the unknown is what the coaching is for. You get to mess with it. You get to tinker with it. You figure out what’s the best way to do it. How do you do it? So, I’m excited about it.”

In selling the concept on Monday, Rich McKay, chair of the league’s competition committee, noted return men have been minimized in recent years, as returns have dipped from a historical mark around 85% to closer to 20% last season. With legendary return man Devin Hester heading into the Hall of Fame this year, McKay hoped to bring value back to that position. Campbell agrees.

“Look, I think this gives you a chance to bring the returner back into play much more than it has in a long time,” Campbell said. “You already have it in the punt-return unit, but I think there’s a chance the kickoff returner, this could be a little bit more of that guy can make the play, more than what it’s been with where the rules have gone.”