New Rule, if a team fair catches a kickoff inside the 25 yard line, it automatically goes to the 25 yard line....

In other words, the idea to kick the ball as high as possible to get maximum hangtime to the 7 yard line and force a return is now out the window, as a fair catch is the same as kicking it into the end zone.


So the thought is, some teams will be squib kicking the ball, to make it bounce and hope to force the team to return the ball and stop them before the 25 yard line.


This rule is a one year rule, to be voted on again next year. But NFL wants it for kickoff Safety (they're basically getting rid of the kickoff more and more)...

ST coaches and players don't want it, as it hurts their value AND they believe squib kicks will just cause more chaos and injuries, and not less.


https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/05/23/nfl-approves-putting-ball-on-25-yard-line-following-fair-catches-on-kickoffs/