The NFL introduced significant changes to its kickoff play last year, and more tweaks have now been approved for the 2025 season.
NFL team owners on Wednesday unanimously approved a proposal that will allow for onside kicks to be declared at any point in the game by a team that is trailing. Last season, only a team that was trailing in the fourth quarter could attempt an onside kick.
In addition, players on the kicking team will now be allowed to line up at the 35-yard line. The ball will remain at the 35-yard line, but previous rules required the 10 players other than the kicker to line up at the 34. The hope is that moving the cover players further forward will increase the chances of a recovery by the kicking team.
