The NFL rolled out major rule changes to kickoffs this offseason in the hopes of boosting return percentage while mitigating injury risk. Results from the preseason’s first two weeks show a dramatic increase in kickoff returns, and time will tell if those numbers carry into the regular season.
The preseason’s kickoff return rate is about 78%, which is more than three times the rate of the 2023 regular season (22%), according to league officials who spoke during a media briefing this week on health and safety issues. Additionally, 19% of preseason kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks, compared to 73% last season.
“We’ve seen a lot more kicks returned,” NFL executive vice president of player health Jeff Miller said. “We’ve seen some more dynamic kicks – meaning big plays – and we’ve seen a greater distribution on where drives are starting.”