NFL teams actually care about kickoffs in practice again after radical rule change

By SCHUYLER DIXON
AP Pro Football Writer

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The NFL is bringing the kickoff back to life with some radical rule changes designed to create more returns. League executive and former player Troy Vincent described the previous kickoff as a “dead, ceremonial play.” The new rules say most players can’t move while the kick is in the air. The coverage players are closer to the opposing goal line. The blockers are within 10 yards of their opponents. Touchbacks are taken out to the 30 yard line instead of the 25. The hope is teams will have the incentive to kick shorter, which would lead to more returns. One thing’s for sure. Teams are spending much more time on kickoffs in practice than in recent years.