Devin Hester and the New Kickoff Rules
Devin Hester, renowned for his prowess as a kick returner, recently received the Gold Pro Football Hall of Fame Jacket. His achievements are noteworthy; he holds the NFL records for kick-return touchdowns (20) and punt-return touchdowns (14). In fact, during the 2007 season, Hester stood out, as no other player managed four or more punt returns.
With all the buzz around new kickoff rules that have emerged since last season, Hester certainly has something to say. “I like the new kickoff rules,” he stated during an event where he guided service members through USAA salutes at the Chicago Bears complex. “I like them because I feel they give the returner a chance to get the ball.” Hester thinks it seems like efforts are being made to revive the return game.
The modified kickoff rule, which was introduced last season and has carried into 2025, aims to enhance the kickoff return experience. Essentially, the play is being restructured to resemble scrimmage plays more closely than traditional kick returns.
To elaborate on the new setup: the kicking team positions itself at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while the receiving team has a designated “set-up zone” between the 30 and 35-yard lines. Furthermore, there’s a “landing zone” between the 20-yard line and the goal line, and anything landing there must return to the field. Hester enjoys the fact that players on both sides can’t move until the return man either touches the ball or the ball touches the ground in the landing zone.
“The lineup is interesting, with players ten yards apart; that’s something many will need to adapt to. Almost everyone in the league will have to adjust,” Hester commented. “As a returner, you look for that one hole to exploit. I want to play in this current era with these return rules.”
Although Hester is now a Hall of Famer in Canton, Ohio, he acknowledges that the current kickoff rules have sparked envy among rising players. “If these rules had been in place during my time, I would have likely been the first ballot Hall of Famer,” he laughed. “But it’s all good; I’m just happy the Hall of Fame exists. My return game was impacted because I often faced kickers who could easily boot the ball into the end zone.”
Previously, when Hester played, the touchback was placed at the 20-yard line. Now, with kickoffs reaching the 30-yard line since the new rules, it’s been further adjusted to the 35-yard line in 2025, making it crucial for kickers to accurately land the ball in the designated zones.
“The previous rules limited me, but now they’re forced to kick it properly. I respect that,” Hester remarked. “I’m glad the rules changed because it allows players to get the ball.”
Turning to a different topic, in Chicago, the Bears have been engaging in real-life combines intertwined with their training camp, thanks to USAA, celebrating their connection with NFL service partners. These boot camps mimic drills NFL coaches use, evaluating talent through assessments like the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and shuttle run.
While these boot camps have been around for a while, they recently introduced live leaderboards to monitor participants’ scores. Hester noted the additional competitiveness this brought, saying, “It was thrilling to see them enjoying these activities and competing. At the end of the day, the enjoyment they shared was heartwarming.”
“I can relate to them because I know some individuals my age who have been in similar services. Connecting with them and hearing their stories has been enlightening, reminiscent of what my family shared,” he added, reflecting on his own background as a football fan.
