Touchback Tango: Will the NFL’s 35-Yard Touchback Rule Actually Increase Kick Returns in 2025?
The roar of the crowd, the bone-jarring hits, and the electrifying speed – these are the elements that define NFL football. But for years, one play seemed to be fading into obscurity: the kickoff return. In Super Bowl LVIII, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers combined for zero kickoff return touchdowns, a stark reminder of the play’s diminished role. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, the NFL is betting on a new rule to reignite the excitement: moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line. But will this “Touchback Tango” truly lead to more returns, or will it be another footnote in the evolution of the game?
The Genesis of Change: Safety and Spectacle
The NFL’s decision to adjust the touchback rule stems from a dual mandate: enhance player safety and inject more excitement into the kickoff. The dynamic kickoff rule implemented in 2024, inspired by the XFL, was a step in this direction. According to NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller, the 2024 season saw a significant drop in injury rates on kickoffs, with player speeds reduced by approximately 20%, leading to fewer high-impact collisions.
The 2024 season saw an increase in kickoff returns, jumping from a dismal 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8%. However, this was still the second-lowest return rate in NFL history. The league hopes that moving the touchback to the 35-yard line will incentivize teams to kick shorter, more strategic kicks, leading to a projected return rate of 60-70%. Rich McKay, NFL Competition Committee chairman, believes this change will “motivate people to kick the ball in play and get returns back in the game.”
The 35-Yard Line: A Strategic Hotspot
The core of the new rule is simple: any kick that sails into or beyond the end zone for a touchback will now be spotted at the receiving team’s 35-yard line, a five-yard advantage over the 30-yard line used in 2024. If the ball bounces into the end zone, the touchback remains at the 20-yard line. This seemingly small adjustment has significant implications for special teams strategy.
Denver Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, a key figure in developing the dynamic kickoff, believes the 35-yard line will be a game-changer. “We’re going to bring more excitement back,” Rizzi stated. He estimates that teams will tackle opponents inside the 35-yard line “70-75% range” of the time, making it a worthwhile risk to force a return.
Precision Over Power: The New Kicker Paradigm
With the touchback now a less appealing option, the emphasis shifts from booming kicks into the end zone to precise placement. Kickers like Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens and Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for their accuracy and ability to control hangtime, could become even more valuable. Teams will seek kickers who can drop the ball strategically within the five-yard line, forcing a return while minimizing the risk of a long runback.
This shift could also lead to the resurgence of the “sky kick,” a high, short kick designed to maximize hangtime and allow the coverage team to converge on the returner. Special teams coordinators will need to devise innovative coverage schemes to bottle up returners and prevent explosive plays.
Return Specialists: The Untapped Potential
The 35-yard touchback rule could also elevate the importance of return specialists. Players like Keisean Nixon of the Green Bay Packers and Braxton Berrios, now with the Miami Dolphins, who possess exceptional speed, agility, and vision, could become key offensive weapons.
The stats from the 2024 season highlight the potential impact of dynamic returners. According to the NFL, there were 59 returns of at least 40 yards, the most since 2016, and seven TD returns, the most since 2021. Kene Nwangwu of the Minnesota Vikings led the league with a 52.3-yard average on kickoff returns, while Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints averaged 42.0 yards per return. These players demonstrate the game-changing ability of a dynamic return specialist.
The Counter-Argument: Will Teams Still Play It Safe?
Despite the NFL’s optimism, some argue that teams will continue to prioritize safety and field position, even with the 35-yard touchback rule. Coaches like Bill Belichick, known for their conservative approach, may prefer to concede the extra five yards rather than risk a costly turnover or a long return.
The success of the new rule hinges on whether the perceived risk of allowing a return outweighs the reward of pinning the opponent deep. If special teams units struggle to contain returners, coaches may revert to kicking the ball out of the end zone, negating the intended effect of the rule change.
Beyond the Touchback: Other Special Teams Innovations
The 35-yard touchback rule is not the only change impacting special teams in 2025. The NFL has also approved a rule change allowing teams to declare an onside kick at any point in the game if they are trailing, providing a new strategic option for teams needing to regain possession.
These changes, combined with the increasing emphasis on analytics and specialized coaching, are transforming special teams from an afterthought into a critical component of the game. As Chris Fore, a veteran special teams coordinator, emphasizes, mastering special teams can provide a “hidden yards” advantage, shifting field position and creating scoring opportunities.
The Verdict: A Wait-and-See Approach
Will the Touchback Tango lead to a resurgence of the kickoff return? The answer remains to be seen. The NFL’s data suggests that the 35-yard line will incentivize more returns, but the ultimate outcome will depend on how teams adapt their strategies and how effectively special teams units execute on the field.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on the kickoffs, watching to see if the new rule truly brings the excitement back to this often-overlooked play. Whether it’s a booming return by Xavier Worthy or a perfectly placed kick by Jake Moody, the Touchback Tango promises to add a new layer of intrigue to the NFL game.