CANTON, Ohio — Houston’s Steven Sims and Chicago’s Tyler Scott showcased the NFL’s new kickoff rule in its first test during the preseason opener between the Texans and Bears. Sims returned Cairo Santos’ kickoff from the 5-yard line for 21 yards, while Scott took Ka’imi Fairbairn’s kick from the 7-yard line for 19 yards, both finishing at the 26-yard line.
The game, held at Tom Benson Stadium as part of the annual Hall of Fame events, drew significant focus on the revamped kickoff rule aimed at revitalizing the play, which saw minimal returns last season. NFL owners had approved this change to increase return opportunities while balancing safety.
Under the new rules, kickoffs start from the 35-yard line with kick coverage players positioned at the opposing 40. The return team features at least nine blockers in the “set up zone” between their 30- and 35-yard lines. Two returners are permitted inside the 20.
Houston positioned two returners at the 1-yard line and arranged their blockers between the 34- and 35-yard lines. Movement by players is restricted until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line.
A kickoff reaching the end zone airborne can be returned, or the receiving team can choose a touchback to start at the 30. Similarly, kicks going out of bounds in the end zone result in a touchback at the 30. If a kick crosses the end zone after hitting the ground or being touched before the end zone, a touchback starts at the 20 unless the ball is returned. Kicks out of bounds before the end zone or touched before reaching the landing zone result in the return team starting at the 40.
This one-year trial influenced by the XFL format comes after only 21.8% of kickoffs were returned last season. The NFL anticipates that more than half of kickoffs will be returned this year, enhancing gameplay excitement while maintaining player safety.