The NFL has finalized a major rule change following the conclusion of the 2025 Spring League Meeting, which wrapped up today in Minneapolis. Among several updates voted on by team owners, Playing Rule Proposal No. 1 was officially approved, making permanent a revamped kickoff format introduced on a trial basis last season. The changes aim to improve player safety, reduce high-speed collisions, and bring more excitement back to kickoff returns.
These NFL kickoff rule changes 2025 feature a new alignment that resembles a scrimmage play, with both teams lining up closer together and limiting movement until the ball is touched. The rule also introduces new onside kick flexibility, allowing trailing teams to declare an onside kick at any point in the fourth quarter, with strict formation and spacing rules now in place. In addition, the updated kickoff structure redefines setup zones, tightens blocking restrictions, and eliminates wedge formations.
The league announced the decision today, May 21, following the conclusion of its Spring Meeting to ensure all votes and discussions were finalized. Below is the full, official text of the new rule, which will be in effect for the 2025 NFL season.
Amend Rule 6 as follows (new language underlined and in red, deleted language struck through):
RULE 6 – FREE KICKS
Section 1 – Procedures for a Free Kick
Article 1. Free Kick Definition: A kickoff, safety kick, or onside kick that puts the ball in play to start a free kick down.
Article 2. Restraining Lines and Zones: Defines kicking and receiving teams’ restraining lines, setup zones, and landing zones.
Article 3. Kickoff Formation: Specifies player positioning rules and movement restrictions for both teams.
Article 4. Catch or Recovery: Details possession, recovery rights, and ball-dead situations.
Article 5. Kick Crosses Goal Line: Outlines when a touchback applies and which yard line marks possession.
Article 6. Onside Kick: Allows teams trailing at any time to declare an onside kick and sets new formation and recovery rules.
Article 7. End of Free Kick: Clarifies when a free kick ends.
Section 2 – Other Free Kick Fouls
Article 1. Blocking Restrictions: Sets guidelines for legal and illegal blocks during kickoffs.
Article 2. Onside Kick Blocking: Adds further rules for blocking during onside kicks.
Article 3. Running into Kicker: Penalizes unnecessary contact with the kicker.
Article 4. Free Kick Out of Bounds: Details enforcement for out-of-bounds kicks.
Article 5. Illegally Touched Kick: Addresses illegal touching by out-of-bounds players.
Article 6. Voluntarily Out of Bounds Players: Penalizes intentional evasion.
Section 3 – Enforcement of Fouls
Article 1. Previous Spot Enforcement: Provides guidelines for enforcing penalties and yardage.
Submitted by: NFL Competition Committee
Effect:
Makes permanent the kickoff structure introduced in 2024.
Modifies formation and alignment rules for both onside and traditional kickoffs.
Enables onside kicks any time in the 4th quarter for trailing teams.
Promotes player safety and competition.
Reason: Enhance player safety, maintain competitive equity, and encourage exciting returns.
Stop by the JetNation Forums to read more about the new NFL kickoff rules.
