NFL's kickoff rule changes have produced record number of returns

The NFL's recent changes to its kickoff rules appear to have achieved their primary objectives, particularly in increasing the number of returns. 

There was a stretch throughout the 2010s, and even into the early 2020s, when it seemed the NFL was going to phase out the kickoff. Touchbacks had become the norm, injury concerns made it one of the most dangerous plays in the sport and every kick seemed to be an automatic touchback.

However, recent rule changes to the play — including moving touchbacks out to the 35-yard line — have brought it back to prominence at record rates. 

Record number of kickoff returns through four weeks

On Thursday, ESPN reported that the NFL has already seen 519 actual kickoff returns (not touchbacks) through the first four weeks of the season, the most the league has ever seen.

Furthermore, the league has had 78.3% of its kickoffs result in a return, which is the highest rate in 19 years. It's all a result of the new kickoff rules, which moved the touchback line and introduced the landing zone.

Over the years, the NFL has moved the touchback from the 20-yard line to the 30-yard line and, most recently, to the 35-yard line. With teams not wanting to give their opponents the ball at the 35-yard line, they have been more inclined to try to drop kickoffs into the landing zone and try to make a tackle inside the 35.

The league also introduced the dynamic kickoff, which saw both teams (minus the kicker and returners) line up five yards apart from one another to reduce the running head starts. That has helped reduce the number of injuries and violent collisions that used to occur on returns. 

A big kickoff return can be one of the more exciting plays in football, and now that we are seeing more of them, the play is definitely back. Through four weeks, there has only been one kickoff returned for a touchdown, but there have already been 15 returns of at least 40 yards or more.