NFL’s revamped kickoff making its debut in the Hall of Fame game
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The NFL’s new kickoff rule will make its debut when the preseason opens Thursday night with the Chicago Bears facing the Houston Texans.
While both teams are expected to sit starters, all eyes will be on the overhauled kickoffs during the annual Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium.
NFL owners approved a radical change for kickoffs in order to revive a “dead play” that saw a record-low returns last season.
For a standard kickoff, the ball will be kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40, five on each side of the field.