PHOENIX, Ariz. — The kickoff is coming under increased scrutiny, and NFL owners will consider a rules change this week that could both make the play safer and dramatically impact how teams approach it this fall.
The NFL competition committee submitted eight playing rules proposals for owners to debate at their annual spring meeting Sunday-Wednesday at the Phoenix Biltmore Hotel, including one that would place the ball at the 25-yard line after a fair catch on most kickoffs in the field of play.
The proposal is in line with a rule used in college football, and one that NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said could reduce brain injuries by up to 25% on kickoffs.