Patriots

What Patriots specialists are saying about new NFL kickoff rules

"It forces guys as kickers to be athletes"

By Khari Thompson

July 30, 2024

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Three Patriots special teams players say they look forward to playing with the NFL’s new kickoff rules.

Starting this season, teams are no longer allowed to use a fair catch during kickoffs. Returners will line up in a landing zone between the endzone and 20 yard line and must return any kick that hits in the zone.

“I think it’s a challenge but it’s fun because it forces guys as kickers to be athletes and take that ball striking and body control into a factor,” Patriots kicker Chad Ryland said. “We’re trying to put the ball between the goal line and the 20 so it offers a lot more creativity. It’s going to be interesting for everyone across the league because all teams have quality athletes that can do it.”

The ball will be kicked from same spot as past years, the 35-yard line. All kicking team players must line up on the receiving team’s 40 yard line and are not allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or a player.

Receiver Jalen Reagor, who is also active in the Patriots’ kick return game, said he believes the rules will work out in favor of returners.

“It’s just one line of defense now, so I feel like that’s bad for the kick off team and great for me,” said Reagor.

The new rules were designed to encourage more returns. Only 22 percent of kickoffs were returned last season, according to CBS Sports.

“I’m happy about it because there’s going to be more returns,” cornerback/punt returner Marcus Jones said. “It will be trial and error for the situation of preseason and seeing how it goes. Everybody is trying to see what works.”

The new rules will also give less of a running head start, potentially reducing the impact of collisions.

With the kicking team lined up on the 40, the receiving team must put at least seven of its players with one foot on the 35 yard line just five yards away. Players who don’t line up on the 35 must line up in the set up zone outside the hashmarks.

Reagor said good kick returners keep their feet moving while facing the kicking team’s charge.

“You’ve got to run through the smoke,” Reagor said. “That’s the saying. Run through the smoke. Punt return, you’ve got to be real crafty but kickoff return you can’t stop your feet. With the new rules you might have a little leeway but you have to run through the smoke for sure.”

Ryland said the novelty of the new rules will only add to the game.

“It’s another facet of the game that everyone has to grow and adapt to. That’s what makes guys in this league elite,” he said. “Everyone is able to grow, adapt. Come Week 1 and it’s going to be very exciting, and all the way through to the end of the season, playoffs, Super Bowl. Could end up being the end of the season and you see something that you’ve never seen before. So that’s like the special magic of it all.”