NFL Considers Moving Touchbacks to 35-Yard Line for 2025 Season

League officials and competition committee are evaluating a rule change to further increase kickoff return rates.

The NFL implemented a new kickoff rule in 2024, which has increased the return rate from 17% to 29% in the first four weeks of the season.
The proposed change would move the touchback spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line to discourage teams from kicking the ball through the end zone.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the competition committee are not expected to make any in-season changes, with modifications likely to be considered for the 2025 season.
The new kickoff format was designed to make the play safer and more relevant, but the return rate has not met the initial projections of 55% to 60%.
Team owners will need to approve any changes, with a meeting scheduled later this month to discuss potential rule adjustments.