A revised kickoff proposal has been released by the NFL. The changes only apply to kicks that are dropped in the end zone, hit the goal post/post/crossbar, or exit the end zone in flight.
In those situations, the next drive would start at the receiving team's 30th, not the receiving team's 35th – as originally proposed.
For kicks that do not reach the landing zone, which start at the receiving team's 20th point, the ball will still reach the receiving team's 40th point.
There was some mild confusion during Thursday's NFL conference call on this point. A kickoff short of the landing zone will put the ball 25 yards from where the kick is. For a normal kickoff of 35 for the kicking team, that means 40 for the receiving team. The new amendment to the proposal does not change that.
An out-of-bounds kickoff will also result in the drive starting 25 yards from the spot of the kick, or where the ball went out of bounds. (The receiving team has the option.)
If a safety kick fails to reach the landing zone, possession begins 30 yards from the spot of the kick. Normally, that would be in the midfield. A safety kick that goes out of bounds will also start the drive 30 yards from where the kick occurred, or where the ball went out of bounds. (Again, the receiving team has a choice.)
More modifications are possible as the owners consider the proposal. Further amendments could be made if the proposal is brought forward until May so that more time can be spent considering the realities of the dramatic change to kick-off – and its consequences, both intended and unintended.
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