NFL team owners voted Tuesday in favor of a major overhaul of the kickoff rules, with 29 voting in favor of the change and three voting against it.
San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York was among three people to vote against the new kickoff rules, which take a page from the rules of the rebooted XFL. After the change passed, he explained to reporters why he voted against it.
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San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York during pregame warm-ups before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. ). (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
“I think the concern is that this is a significant change in play,” he said via Sports Illustrated. “From a health and safety standpoint, we’ve been trying to address this play. This was the most highly regarded injury play in existence, so they reintroduced this play into the game and made it more “We’re trying to make it effective.” “It’s not a ceremonial play, it’s a real play. I’m 100% behind that. But for something new, we have an opportunity to work on it in the middle of the season. I just want to confirm.”
“So if the injury data or the competitive issues didn’t work, that doesn’t mean, ‘This year, the kickoff rule asterisk season didn’t work.'” I am 100% in favor of trying to be active in it. They have put in a lot of time and a lot of effort to make something work. I’m sure the next adjustment will be made. I’d rather make adjustments if I have to make them midway through the season, rather than saying, “It’s asterisk season, so I’ll make adjustments at the end of the year.” that’s it. “
CEO Jed York and San Francisco 49ers No. 85 George Kittle in the locker room after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
The new rules will be tested during the 2024 season and will require another vote for renewal in 2025.
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In a basic kickoff, the ball is kicked from the 35-yard line with the other 10 members of the special teams lining up at the opponent’s 40-yard line. Five players line up on each side of the field.
The returning team will have at least nine blocks lined up in the so-called “setup zone” between the 30-yard line and 35-yard line. At least seven of those players will end up at the 35-yard line. The two returners are allowed inside their own 20-yard line.
San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Only the kicker and two returners are allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner within the 20-yard line. A kick that reaches the end zone in the air can be returned, or the returning team can elect a touchback, in which case the team will receive the ball at its 30-yard line. If the ball goes out of the end zone, it will be a touchback at 30 minutes.
If the ball hits the returner or the ground in front of the end zone and enters the end zone, it may be a touchback at the 20-yard line or the kick may be returned.
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“There was a little bit of fear of the unknown,” NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay said. “I think the optics are definitely the most drastic (rule change) we’ve ever seen. What gives us peace of mind is that we have the tape and we’ve seen it. We can show you how we play, and you’ll see how we play.” This could develop. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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