The NFL Sounds the Death Knell for Onside Kicks as We Know Them with Rule Change

The National Football League (NFL) has once again made headlines with its latest rule change, this time focusing on the onside kick. This play, a staple of the game for decades, has undergone a significant transformation that is set to shake up the league.

The new rule, which will be implemented in the upcoming 2024 season, requires teams to declare their intention to attempt an onside kick before the play. This eliminates the element of surprise, which has been a key part of the onside kick strategy. Additionally, onside kicks are now only allowed in the fourth quarter when a team is trailing.

With the NFL's new onside kick rule, we may never see a play like the one from 2010 again. As the Saints trailed 10-6 at the start of the second half of Super Bowl XLIV, they executed a surprise onside kick and regained possession. The Saints then went on to score on that drive and ultimately win 31-17.

Why the NFL Banned the Surprise Onside Kick

The decision to implement this rule change was not taken lightly. The league has been under increasing pressure to address the safety concerns associated with kickoffs, which often result in high-speed collisions and the potential for serious injuries. The league also aimed to make kickoffs more exciting for fans by reducing the frequency of touchbacks and fair catch calls.

According to the new kickoff rule, the kicker will start from the 35-yard line and must kick the ball into the return team's landing zone. This landing zone refers to the area on the field that lies between the receiving team's goal line and their 20-yard line.

Since the kickoff must reach the receiving team's 20-yard line to be considered in play, executing a surprise onside kick is no longer possible. If a kicker attempted a surprise onside kick, it would be ruled out of bounds, and the receiving team would gain possession at their own 40-yard line or wherever the ball stopped. Additionally, due to the new hybrid kickoff rule, there are no members of the kicking team near the kicker at the 35-yard line to recover the onside kick.

The surprise onside kick is the primary casualty of the new kickoff rule formation.

When the NFL's 32 owners approved the new rule in March, they agreed to eliminate the surprise onside kick to make it feasible, and that's exactly what happened. While the new rule still allows teams to attempt an onside kick under specific conditions, it effectively prevents them from surprising their opponents with an unexpected onside kick.

Impact of NFL's Rule Change on Onside Kicks

The impact of this rule change will be felt across the league. Coaches will need to adjust their game plans and strategies, and players will have to adapt to the new style of play. The onside kick, once a key weapon in a team’s arsenal, may now become a less viable option.

The last team to pull off a surprise onside kick was the Jaguars, who recovered one against the Chiefs in 2022.

The decision to change the kickoff rule and the subsequent onside kick has been met with mixed reactions. While many applaud the league's commitment to player safety and the increase in kickoff returns, others are concerned about the impact on the game's excitement and tradition. However, the NFL has made it clear that this change is necessary to protect its players and ensure the long-term viability of the sport.

Wrap-up

In conclusion, the NFL's decision to change the onside kick rule marks a significant moment in the league's history. It represents a bold step toward improving player safety and adapting to the evolving nature of the game. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the league to see how the changes to the kickoff and onside kick rules play out on the field.

While onside kicks will be less frequent, one significant benefit of the new NFL hybrid kickoff rule is that special teams players, such as the returner, will become more valuable and play a crucial role in the game, as more returns are expected with the rule change.