The NFL is constantly evolving in an effort to make the game safer for players and grow the sport into the future. The 2024 season brings several changes that fans should be aware of as the Kansas City Chiefs near their first preseason action against the Jacksonville Jaguars this coming weekend.
Most of the changes involving actual gameplay revolve around special teams. However, some players may don the guardian cap in the regular season.
New kickoff rules
Perhaps the biggest change in the 2024 rule book is the change to kickoffs, prompted by a historically high and league-wide average touchback rate of 77% in the 2023 season.