What are your initial reactions to the new kickoff rule?
The NFL just conducted its first preseason game of the 2024 season, including the debut of the new kickoff. Under the new rule, the kicking team kicks from the 35, but the coverage players line up on the receiving team’s 40. The ball must land inside the 20, and the coverage players can’t move until the ball is fielded.
You can take a look at how the first-ever NFL kickoff under these rules played out here. On the whole, it was certainly different to watch, but the result was largely the same.