What NFL Rules Are New for the 2024 Season? A Big Change to Kickoffs Highlights the List

As the NFL embarks on its 105th season, the league continues its quest to refine and improve the game, making it safer and more exciting for players and fans alike. Among the most significant new changes for the 2024 season is a complete overhaul of the kickoff rules. This update aims to enhance both player safety and the dynamics of play during kickoffs, which have increasingly become a rarity in an era dominated by touchbacks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the prominent rule changes that fans and teams will need to adapt to this season.

A Major Change to Kickoffs

One of the most notable rule changes for the 2024 NFL season pertains to kickoffs, which will now have a different structure aimed at reducing high-speed collisions while attempting to deliver more excitement with increased return opportunities.

New Kickoff Format

In a dramatic departure from traditional kickoffs, players on the kickoff team will no longer line up next to the kicker at the 35-yard line and sprint downfield at full speed. Instead, the kicker will remain at the 35-yard line, while kick coverage players will be stationed at the opponent’s 40-yard line. The returning team will have nine blockers positioned between their 30 and 35-yard lines, with one or two returners waiting inside the 20-yard line. Both coverage players and blockers are prohibited from moving until the ball is either touched by a returner or has hit the ground.

Return Requirements

This new format introduces a specific "landing zone" rule, which affects how returned kicks are treated:

• Any kickoff landing in the “landing zone” between the opponent's 20-yard line and the goal line is required to be returned.
• If a kickoff bounces into the end zone after landing in the landing zone, it must either be returned or downed for a touchback, moving the ball to the 20-yard line.
• Conversely, if a kick sails directly into the end zone, the return team may choose to either return the kick or down it for a touchback, placing the ball at the 30-yard line.
• Should the kickoff fail to reach the 20-yard line, the ball is placed at the opponent’s 40-yard line.

This strategic realignment not only promotes more returns but also reduces the number of dangerous high-speed collisions that have historically plagued the kickoff play. The NFL has indicated that concussions occurring during kickoffs have been approximately double those seen during regular play.

Anticipated Impact

With the kickoff rates having plummeted to a historical low in recent seasons, the league anticipates that these new rules will encourage more active returns and add an exciting dimension back to the game. The visual aspect of kickoffs will appear unfamiliar to fans initially. However, this significant change is expected to enhance both player safety and overall gameplay.

Changes to Onside Kicks

Another important modification involves onside kicks. Teams now must openly declare their intention to attempt an onside kick, limited to the fourth quarter and only when they are trailing. While the execution of onside kicks will still adhere to the previous season’s guidelines, this rule change eliminates the element of surprise that so often characterized these high-stakes plays, such as New Orleans Saints' famous surprise onside recovery during Super Bowl XLIV.

Elimination of the Hip Drop Tackle

In response to several severe injuries stemming from the hip drop tackle maneuver, the NFL has opted to ban this tackling technique. The hip drop involves a tackler wrapping around a ball carrier, then rotating and falling with their weight, which can inadvertently pin the ball carrier’s leg, leading to critical injuries. High-profile instances, like those involving Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, have raised concerns about player safety. The new rule imposes a 15-yard penalty for infractions, adding to the complexity for defensive players who may struggle with adapting to changing tackling methodologies.

Expired Game Clock Review

In an effort to improve the fairness and accuracy of officiating, the NFL has amended its review policies to allow for instant replay review when there is clear visual evidence that the game clock expired prior to a snap. This change is aimed at addressing frustration among teams and fans when late-game clock management results in contentious plays.

The End of "Cheat Motion"

The NFL has taken steps to eliminate so-called "cheat motion," a tactic employed by some teams to gain an advantage at the snap. Under the new rules, while backfield players can change their stances without having to come to a complete stop before the snap, any abrupt or forward motion is still classified as a false start or illegal motion. This adjustment aims to enhance the integrity of play and enforce clearer rules regarding player movements.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL season promises to be an intriguing one, offering a mix of both safety and strategy changes. The overhaul of kickoff rules is particularly noteworthy, as the league looks to encourage more returns and reduce injuries. As teams prepare to implement these changes, fans will need to familiarize themselves with the new dynamics of the game. The NFL’s ongoing evolution reflects its commitment to player welfare and maintaining the thrilling nature of professional football.