When the NFL begins the 2024 preseason with Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, it will usher in a new era for the kickoff. Modified rules will radically change how players are lined up on both the kicking and receiving teams, all in an effort to encourage more kick returns with the theoretically reduced risk of serious injuries.
NFL referee John Hussey, who will officiate Bears-Texans this week, was at Kansas City Chiefs training camp and spoke to reporters about the new kickoff rules and regulations. Under the current format, there is one weather-related way for a team to field 12 players without penalty.