The NFL is planning some significant changes to the way NFL kickoffs function in an effort to both make kickoffs safer and ensure that kickoff returns are still part of the game. But as part of the new proposal, the onside kick will also be changing.
According to a report from league insider Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the new proposal would force teams to declare in advance that they will be attempting an inside kick, and teams will only be allowed to kick onside kicks while trailing in the fourth quarter.
“No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources. Language still being finalized and owners must approve,” Pelissero wrote in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
No surprises: The new kickoff rule crafted by NFL special teams coordinators would allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the fourth quarter — and require them to declare it in advance, per sources.
Language still being finalized and owners must approve. pic.twitter.com/HYJKv3EZtP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2024
Obviously, this would totally eliminate the possibility of a surprise onside kick, which has been used by coaches at all levels of football as a trick play to steal a possession from the opposing team.
It will be interesting to see how all these changes impact the game.
