All articles tagged with #kickoff returns
Deebo Samuel is back with the 49ers and will be used as a multi‑position weapon—lining up at wide receiver, taking carries as a running back, and contributing in the return game—per GM John Lynch. He has a history of productive rushing and kickoff returns, and San Francisco is counting on his versatility to bolster the offense amid roster questions, while noting that more touches carry injury risk; he’s in good shape and ready to contribute.
The NFL season of 2025 is seeing teams like the Giants quickly starting rookie quarterbacks, with the Giants replacing Russell Wilson after a brief stint, while the Patriots have sold a significant stake in their franchise for $720 million. Additionally, NFL kickoff returns are making a comeback, becoming safer and more exciting, reversing a trend of decline.
The new NFL rule moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line has significantly increased kickoff return yards this season, raising the likelihood of breaking the longstanding record of 2,186 yards set in 2000, with several players already surpassing the 129-yard per game threshold in Week One.
A recent rule change in the NFL, moving the touchback spot to the 35-yard line, led to a dramatic increase in kickoff return rates in Week 1, reaching 75.6%, the highest in 15 years, as teams adjusted their strategies to maximize returns despite previous declines caused by safety-focused rule modifications.
The NFL's new kickoff return rule for the 2024 season is expected to significantly benefit the Denver Broncos, particularly wide receiver Jalen Virgil and cornerback Tremon Smith, who are both standout return specialists. This change could increase return opportunities and highlight their skills, potentially making them secret weapons for the team.
Super Bowl LVIII, the last NFL game before major kickoff rule changes, featured 13 touchbacks and 0 returns, marking the end of an era for kickoffs. The new rule aims to reduce injuries and incentivize returns by allowing the receiving team to take the ball at the 40 if it goes out of bounds or doesn't reach the 20-yard line, and at the 30 on a touchback. This signals a shift towards more kickoff returns in future NFL games.
The NFL has implemented two new rule changes, banning the hip-drop tackle due to safety concerns and introducing a hybrid kickoff rule to bring back kickoff returns while minimizing injury risks. The Colts' general manager, Chris Ballard, expressed support for the safety-focused changes, but some players were critical. The team may need to adjust its kick return strategy, considering the absence of key players and the impact of the new rules. Potential options include utilizing Ashton Dulin and exploring free agent Jamal Agnew, who has a strong track record in kick and punt returns.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan discussed the possibility of keeping star player Deebo Samuel as the team's kickoff returner going forward. With the club's regular return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud sidelined with a rib injury, Samuel has stepped in and shown his ability in the return game. Shanahan emphasized that the decision to use Samuel in this role was not solely due to McCloud's absence but also a way to get the ball in the hands of a special player like Samuel. The coach indicated that Samuel will likely continue as the kickoff returner until McCloud's potential return in Week 17.
The NFL's latest rule change, which places the ball on the receiving team's 25-yard line if a kickoff returner calls for a fair catch anywhere behind that point, has resulted in a record-high touchback rate of 80.9% through three weeks of the season. The league's efforts to de-emphasize kickoff returns are aimed at reducing the number of high-speed collisions and concussions that occur during these plays. While some argue that eliminating kickoff returns would make the game safer, others believe it would damage the sport and devalue special teams. The NFL is exploring alternative options, such as the XFL's approach to kickoffs, to find a balance between player safety and maintaining the excitement of kickoff returns.
The NFL has implemented several rule changes for the 2023 season, including the revival of a limited "third quarterback" rule, an expansion of late-season flexible scheduling for Monday and Thursday night games, and an attempt to reduce kickoff returns by incentivizing fair catches. The league has also allowed the use of the number 0 on jerseys, altered the use of the helmet rule, and made failed fourth downs automatically reviewable. However, roughing the passer penalties remain non-reviewable despite controversy surrounding the rule.
The NFL will trial a new fair catch rule in 2023, allowing kick returners to signal for a fair catch anywhere inside the 25-yard line. However, Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin says he plans to take the ball out regardless of the new rules. Turpin, who was the 2022 Pro Bowl returner, is also looking to break in as a receiver for Dallas. He played just 5% of the team's offensive snaps last season and caught one of his two targets for nine yards.
The NFL has approved a new fair catch rule that will disincentivize teams from running back kicks. The new rule will put the ball in play at the receiving team’s 25-yard line if there is a fair catch on a free kick behind the receiving team’s 25-yard line. The change is aimed at player safety, but has been opposed by special teams coordinators and players who fear it may lead to the elimination of kickoffs from the game. The NFL's modeling predicts a drop in return rate from 38 to 31 percent.
The NFL has approved a new fair catch rule for a one-year trial run that will encourage returners to call for a fair catch, resulting in the same outcome as a touchback if caught inside the 25-yard line. The league hopes this will reduce contact on kickoffs. The rule is similar to college football's and may be scrapped if it doesn't meet the league's expectations. The decision was postponed due to pushback from special teams coaches and players, who worry it could lead to more squib kicks and violent hits.