The NFL has rolled out a fresh kickoff format, making its debut during the Hall of Fame game featuring the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans. This idea was inspired by the XFL and is set to be tested for the 2024 season.
Read more: NFL News: Insight into the Proposed Kickoff Changes for 2024
In this new setup, the kicking team’s kicker will position themselves on the 35-yard line, while 10 defenders line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. Meanwhile, up to nine players from the kicking team will situate themselves anywhere between the 30 to 35-yard line.
The aim of this format is to reduce injuries and encourage teams to make more kickoff returns.
Nick Cammett/Getty Images
The Hall of Fame game lived up to its name as the Class of 2024 was present, conducting interviews ahead of their official enshrinement.
Among the honorees is Devin Hester, widely regarded as one of the best kick and punt returners in NFL history. Spending most of his career with the Bears, Hester amassed 3,241 punt return yards and 5,504 kick return yards.
When asked about the new kickoff format, Hester wasn’t too enthused.
What does Devin Hester think of the new kickoff rules?
“Right now, it’s kinda shaky. But who knows? The first game. We’ll see.” pic.twitter.com/mNASet9qJT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 2, 2024
Hester expressed his surprise at the lack of big plays during the game, stating:
“I’m watching it, man. I’m surprised we are not seeing no big runs. You know, it’s shocking. But you know this is the first season, the first game. I feel a lot of coaches are going to evaluate this game and figure out what they can do to utilize and get some more big plays in there. Right now, it’s kinda shaky. But who knows? The first game. We’ll see.”
This indicates that Hester feels the new format needs refinement, which is reasonable as all 32 teams must reassess their kickoff strategies. Some teams are even considering unconventional tactics, like playing defenders in kickoff roles.
With the shortened field, it’s possible that teams might find ways to maneuver past the clustered defenders, potentially leading to touchdown runs. If that occurs, the last defender on the field would likely be a kicker, who usually isn’t tasked with making tackles.
The Chiefs intend to utilize standout safety Justin Reid in this role, although that plan has not yet been executed.
As the NFL trial runs this format for a year, they may revisit these rules if the desired outcomes are not achieved.