NFL Fans Intrigued by Kickoff Rule Change at Start of Texans vs. Bears Preseason Game

NFL fans had mixed reactions to the new kickoff rules during Thursday night's preseason clash between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game.

The new rules were on full display as Bears kicker Cairo Santos started the first quarter.

Santos kicked the ball to Houston's five-yard line before the Texans' Steven Sims returned the ball to the 26.

Fans were surprised by the new format.

NFL owners approved the new kickoff rules on March 26, which were modeled after the XFL's rules in an effort to decrease injuries and incentivize teams to return kicks instead of settling for touchbacks.

One kickoff aspect that the new format doesn't change is the kicker, who still lines up normally. However, the other 10 players on the kicking team must now line up on the receiving team's 40-yard line.

The receiving team will have nine players lined up between their 35-yard line and their 30-yard line, while seven of the nine players must have at least one foot on the 35. As many as two members of the receiving team are allowed to line up anywhere inside the 20-yard landing zone to return the kick.

The shortened distance between both sides should theoretically limit injuries, as players will have less space to generate momentum before blocking and tackling each other. Players are also not allowed to make contact until the ball hits the ground or is touched by someone on the receiving team.

Although Sims was only able to return the ball to the 26-yard line on Thursday night, the new rules should also allow teams to start with better field position. The new format will stay in place throughout the 2024 season and is subject to renewal in 2025.

It appears that the new rules are an adjustment for fans as well as the players.