The NFL will have new kickoff rules for the 2024 season.
Instead of the standard kickoff that everyone has been used to, the NFL will use a “hybrid kickoff” on a trial basis.
In this new kickoff, the 10 coverage members of the kicking team will line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while the receiving team’s blockers will line up five yards away.
Nobody on either side will be allowed to move until the kickoff returner touches the ball or if it hits the ground between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
Most teams approved the new changes but the San Francisco 49ers were not one of them. Owner Jed York explained why he made that decision in a recent interview.
“I think the concern is that it’s such a drastic change to a play,” York said, via Sports Illustrated. “From a health and safety standpoint, we’ve tried to address the play. It was the most, highest-rated injury play that existed, so they’re going from that to trying to reintroduce the play into the game and make it more of a real play as opposed to a ceremonial play. I’m 100 percent for that. I just want to make sure with something that’s brand new that we have the opportunity to address it during the middle of the season.”
Even though he voted against it, he’s going to have to live with the new rule for at least a season. If it works out, it’ll be extended beyond the 2024 season.
Time will tell if the league sees more exciting plays on kickoffs.