One of the most curious pieces of the NFL’s new kickoff rules in 2024 was the decision to restrict when teams can elect to attempt an onside kick. Previously, teams could attempt an onside kick at any point but last season they were restricted to only being able to try to retain possession if trailing in the fourth quarter.
With the NFL set to vote on some rules changes soon as part of the league’s annual meetings, that particular restriction is likely to ease up. The league’s competition committee is proposing to allow a team to attempt an onside kick at any time in the game if they are losing.