NFL Kickoff Rule Changes: Goodell Applauds More Returns, Envisions Global Super Bowl

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expects to make some adjustments to the new kickoff rules during the offseason but generally finds them effective.

The significance of kickoffs has increased, with promising injury data. This season, over 30% of kickoffs have been returned, an increase from 20% last year.

Kickoff drives are now starting at approximately the 29-yard line, as opposed to the 24-yard line in previous seasons.

Goodell is considering possible changes, such as moving the kickoff line back or increasing the penalty for kicking out of bounds from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.

The new system has led to more frequent significant returns. Already this season, there have been as many long kickoff returns by Week 6 as there were in the entirety of last year.

Goodell is also focused on expanding the game internationally, suggesting the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl outside the United States. There is a plan for 16 international games each year if the regular season increases to 18 games.

Ireland is expected to soon host a game, and Rio de Janeiro might become a new host city. The Jaguars are considering playing more games in London while their stadium undergoes renovations.

Team owners have currently approved up to eight international games, but Goodell is proposing to double this amount. An essential factor is reducing preseason games to two and introducing a second bye week.

If these changes are implemented, the season would likely start around Labor Day and conclude near Presidents Day. The move to an 18-game season is expected, with support from the players' union.

The league intends to expand international games to eight rapidly. Dublin is a probable next host, and a game could be held in Rio de Janeiro. London has been hosting games since 2007, with Germany joining the lineup in 2022.

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