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The Super Bowl winner Kurt Warner enjoys some of the elements that the latest adjustments to NFL’s dynamic kickoff rule give, but he also thinks they are far from perfect.
Warner suggested that the changes in kickoffs ultimately provide too much of a competitive advantage to offenses.
“I like to see kickoff -re -tournaments again … but took the NFL -Competition Committee into consideration how good Kickers are now ???” The two-time NFL MVP asked about X. “Drive must be like 15 yards on average to get into FG range … seems to be crooked things even more for the offense !! I think everything should be earned … not given!”
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NFL analyst Kurt Warner speaks during a recording under Pro Football Hof Centennial Class in 2020 -Introduction ceremonies on August 7, 2021 in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, in Canton, Oh. (MSA/ICON SPORTSWIRE Via Getty Images)
The dynamic kickoff rule was implemented before the start of the season 2024. The new directive created a landing zone between the final zone and the 20 -yard line. Players from each team wait between the 30- and 40-yard lines for the ball to be received or reduced.
In week 1 of the 2024 season, teams turned 75.6% of kickoffs – the highest rate in any week since the 2010 season.
Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots, running back Antonio Gibson (4), carries the football for a kickoff return against Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter of Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025. (SAM NAVARRO/IMAGN -PICTURES)
Before the 2025 season started, the league approved several changes to its dynamic kickoff rules. This season, some touchbacks resulted in the ball being placed on the 35-yard line. If a team falls at the back of the scoreboard, it now has the opportunity to declare a kick on the spot.
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If a kick lands than the designated landing zone, the receiving team begins its drive on the 40-yard line.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Maurice Alexander (13) returns a kickoff against Kansas City Chief’s wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2) during the first half of Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay BiggerStaff/Imag images)
Many special team coordinators have been tasked with finding kick strategies that end with the ball falling inside the landing zone. The goal is probably to make it more difficult for the receiving team to mark the ball clean and effectively reduce the return garden.
Other teams seem to have no problem admitting 35 yards and asking Kickers to kick the ball far enough to trigger an automatic touchback.
Kickoff was the subject of debate after Thursday’s match between Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks started what ended up being their game-winning drive on the 40-yard line after Cardinals’ kickoff defeat at the last minute.
The Seattle then quickly marched into the field goal and later celebrated moving to 3-1.
