10:15pm: Roger Goodell viewed a Super Bowl in which all 13 kickoffs went for touchbacks as a sign a better solution is necessary, and Jones adds the commissioner backs the proposal that would implement the XFL-style kickoff on a trial basis. Goodell’s support obviously represents a critical component here. Fans may need to prepare for a radically different kickoff setup next season.
The phrase “XFL kickoff” might be scarce at the meetings, per Jones, who adds the NFL can tweak the language of this potential rule change. But this adjustment looks to have momentum ahead of the next gathering of owners.
11:26am: A number of proposals have been submitted by the NFL in advance of next week’s annual spring league meeting. Included among them is a plan to significantly re-vamp kickoffs in the hopes of keeping the return game alive while ensuring better safety than the current set-up. 
The proposal – which, if ratified, would be in place on a trial basis for the 2024 campaign – calls for kickoffs to take place at the 35-yard line. That is already the case, but many other elements of the revised set-up would mark a notable change from the traditional alignment used. The 10 players other than the kicker would line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while seven players on the receiving team would be positioned in the ‘set up zone’ between their own 35- and 30-yard lines (the proposal is illustrated well in these graphics, via NFL Network’s Judy Battista).
Up to two returners would be allowed to line up in the ‘landing zone’ (the space between the 20-yard line and the end zone). No players on the kicking team will be allowed to move until the ball is caught or hits the ground; the same holds true of the players on the receiving team in the set up zone. Notably, the proposal dictates any kicks inside the landing zone (or those which land there and bounce into the end zone) must be returned. The NFL allowed for fair catches on kickoffs in 2023, something which led to the continued decline of runbacks.
Of course, this proposed setup will be familiar to spring football fans. The XFL used the alignment being put on the table during its most recent iteration. Notably, though, the United Football League (consisting of the former XFL and USFL) will not be using it during its inaugural campaign this spring. In any case, the principals of the alternate kickoff format offer the potential of lowering the injury risk of the play while keeping returns a relatively normal occurrence.
Touchbacks under this proposal would take a number of forms. Kicks downed in the end zone would put the ball at the 20-yard line, while those which go through the end zone would result in the receiving team starting at their 35. Kicks short of the landing zone would be treated as a kick out of bounds. With respect to onside kicks, the existing formation and rules would be in effect and teams would be required to declare their intentions of performing one from the fourth quarter onwards.
The proposal will be discussed at the League Meeting; at least 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners will need to approve it to achieve ratification. When the framework initially emerged, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported the format was expected to be green-lit. If that ends up being the case, special teams play will look much different in 2024.
why not just do away with kickoffs, and use something like ping pong balls out of a lottery machine to determine the line of scrimmage
This response is 100.
Indeed.
You lost me at the first part Mike, but I got reeled back in… Submit your proposal to the league!
The rule on kickoffs id most like to see is if the kicker can get it through the uprights, his team gets one more point. It’s stupid of course but I think could actually be pretty fun
I know you are half kidding, but I think you could be onto something.
What if a ridiculous long shot kick into a smaller upright on a kickoff resulted in a point taken away from the opponent? Or another ep – whatever.
If you miss and the ball goes through the endzone, the penalty is the opponent getting the ball on the 40?
It makes for another layer of strategy and some late game decision.
This needs massaged, but I don’t hate it.
I also realize its not ever going to happen.
The year Devin Hester is inducted in the HoF…they set another rule to devalue what got him in the HoF…oh right pLaYeR SaFeTy but lets continue Thursday games.
If the UFL wants to be a developmental league for the NFL, why aren’t they doing kickoffs this way again this year?
Come on, Rock. Get it right.
Why do people who are NFL fans get confused over the Over correction of rules for player safety. After years and of if your not injured and just hurt so get back out there. Along with minimal concussion protocols. See Steve Young and Troy Aikman at minimum. What did you expect? Tell the players not to sue anymore and accept the fact this is a game where getting hurt. Badly. Can and will happen even if you take out the obvious stuff.
Like spearing and intentional head shots. Among others. These owners don’t want to get sued and are worried about the perception that they don’t care. For every fan complaining and wishing for the days of at least the 1990s. At minimum. You’ve got social media twerps harping about not protecting players like Tua T last year.
Even with all that the owners could do better and increase rosters to 60. With all available to suit up for the game. Since they added 1 extra game and 1 extra Thursday fir every team.
I like it. It turns kickoffs into a skill game instead of a power game for the kicking team. Even if it ends up being terrible, can it be worse than watching the guy in the end zone put his arms out to his side while the ball lands in the first row of the stands several hundred times per season?
Anything they try is better then what we had this past season.
The xfl kickoffs rule is a solid idea
I think the best idea is to have teams compete to see how far they can kick Roger Goodell.