Before the start of the 2024 season, the NFL’s 32 owners voted to make a dramatic rule change to the kickoff, and now, a change might be coming to the onside kick.
The NFL changed its kickoff rules for the 2024 season to increase the number of returns and decrease the number of head-on collisions. As we saw, there weren’t that many kickoff returns, as non-kickers and non-returners from each side now have to line up five yards apart between the 35- and 30-yard lines.
The only person that can move is the kicker. Once the returner catches the ball, everyone can begin to move.
With the NFL’s new kickoff rules, teams had to declare an onside kick to the officials so that both the kick and return teams could adjust their positions.
Now, the kick might taken out altogether.
The league is reportedly considering replacing the onside play with an alternative proposal that has been mentioned many times before.
Instead of attempting an onside kick, teams would get one down to convert a fourth-and-20, and if they got 20 yards, they would maintain possession. This greatly increases a team’s chances of retaining possession and brings more late-game action to a game that might look like it’s over but gives the losing team a chance.
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The Eagles were the most recent team to propose this rule, according to Troy Vincent, the league’s executive vice president of football operations.
Social media had a lot to say about this potential change:
“What happened to “if it’s not broken, don’t try and fix it?” one fan asked.
What happened to “if it’s not broken don’t try and fix it”
— Stanley Swanson (@StanleySwanson0) January 10, 2025
“Just go back to the old kickoff rules!” another fan demanded.
Just go back to the old kickoff rules!
— ⭕️ Bo (@ItsBoTime88) January 10, 2025
“Can’t wait to see the amount of flags that get thrown to give the team the 1st down, lol,” another fan predicted.
Can’t wait to see the amount of flags that get thrown to give the team the 1st down lol
— ѕнα∂ყ™ 🧸 (@6illehz) January 10, 2025
“If it makes games more exciting and bring clutch moments do it,” a fourth fan added.
“They really need to leave the game alone. I understand the safety side of it, but new ideas continually make it worse,” another fan commented.
They really need to leave the game alone. I understand the safety side of it, but new ideas continually make it worse
— ⚡️TORIO⚡️ (@A1Gainz) January 10, 2025
One final fan summed it up: “Get ready for the UNBEARABLE amount of pass interference and holding calls that are sure to come on this play.”
Get ready for the UNBEARABLE amount of pass interference and holding calls that are sure to come on this play
— SouthpawTodd (@Southpaw_Tra) January 10, 2025
The NFL Onside Kick Has Already Been Changed
The NFL implemented new kickoff methods and rules to freshen up special teams’ play.
Aside from the new dynamic kickoff, there was also a change to how onside kicks are utilized.
Onside kicks are only allowed in the fourth quarter of games, and if the team doing it is losing.
You are also unable to do a surprise onside kick, as the losing team must declare it is attempting the kick.
