Steelers All-Pro special teamer expects 'a lot of touchdowns' with new kickoff rules

The NFL adopted new kickoff rules this offseason in which teams will kick the ball off from their 35-yard line. 

Under these rules, the coverage and return teams will line up five yards from each other at the receiving team's 35-yard line and cannot move until the ball hits the ground or is fielded inside the 20-yard line or end zone.

With teams around the league getting a chance to implement the new rules during OTAs, players like Steelers All-Pro special teamer Miles Killebrew are getting their first look at how impactful of a play it could be.

"I think there's gonna be a lot of touchdowns because once you get past that first layer, there's no one else there," Killebrew said. "It's gonna be a very impactful play and I think you're gonna see a lot of explosiveness come from that area of the game."

For players like Killebrew who live and breathe special teams, it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities to gain an upper hand on opposing teams.

"I think we have the talent to get things done," Killebrew added. "We are going to be making sure that we are practicing every single facet of this play."

However, he does see a scenario where the players who typically don't like to get involved in tackling – kickers – might have to do their parts.

"I do see a scenario," Killebrew stated. "We will do everything within our power to make sure our kickers don't have to get involved, but if they do, I know they'll answer the call."

The new kickoff rules have gotten mixed reviews thus far, but there's no arguing that they add another element to the game. A play that was once routine is no longer.

"The biggest change is it's actually gonna be a play now," Killebrew concluded. "Teams are incentivized to return the ball."