The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a series of rule modifications and points of emphasis that promise to impact the development of the games. The inaugural match, which will pit the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys, will be the stage to observe these new dynamics.
Kickoff Settings
Las reglas de kickoff de la temporada pasada se mantienen, con un cambio notable: dónde se coloca el balón después de un touchback.The NFL seeks to increase the kickoff return rate. Significant changes have been made to kickoffs with the aim of encouraging a greater number of returns. The league has decided to make these rules permanent and, after observing a 43% reduction in concussions on kickoff plays, it has been agreed to move the touchback from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.
The Denver Broncos’ special teams coordinator, Darren Rizzi, believes this change will influence decision-making. Last season, when teams kicked returnable balls, the average drive started at the 28.8-yard line. Coaches were willing to concede an additional 1.2 yards to place the ball at the 30-yard line for a touchback, but Rizzi comments: “I don’t think teams are going to give up almost 7 yards” now that the touchback is at the 35.
According to studies, teams that started their drives at the 30-yard line during the last 10 seasons averaged 1.97 points on those possessions. When their drives started at the 35-yard line, that point average increased to 2.21. This represents a 12% increase in scoring that coaches should consider if they want to continue kicking touchbacks.
New Guidelines for Referees in Replay
Replay officials in NFL stadiums will have more authority to overturn decisions, as long as there is clear video evidence. They will now be able to review plays such as hits to the head and neck of defenseless players, and “horse-collar tackles.” However, they will not be able to call a penalty if the on-field officials did not, thus maintaining the integrity of the on-field decisions.
Changes in Short Kicks (Onside Kicks)
Teams can now declare their intention to attempt a short kick at any point in the game, not just in the final quarter. In addition, the alignment of the kicking team has been modified to improve the chances of recovering the ball. The 10 non-kicking players can place their front foot on the kicking line.
Due to other changes made to the kickoff, the short kick recovery percentage over the last three seasons is 5.4%. The league expects to increase that number to the historical range of 10% and 12%.
Guaranteed Possession in Extra Time (With Exceptions)
The team that starts overtime on defense will have a guaranteed possession, even if the offensive team scores a touchdown on its first series. This rule aligns with postseason overtime, but with a 10-minute limit in the regular season.
However, there are exceptions. If time expires during the first possession, the game ends. Also, if the team that starts overtime scores a safety, the game ends.
Emphasis on Sportsmanship Rules
Referees will pay special attention to certain celebrations and behaviors that increased in 2024. Provocation, defined as an act that can generate ill will between teams, increased 55% last season. Unsportsmanlike gestures increased 133%.
These gestures, now formalized in the regulations, include: “Any violent gesture, which will include, among others, a throat cut, simulating shooting or brandishing a weapon, or using the gesture of ‘wiping the nose’, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive.”
The referee Walt Anderson commented: “There are many ways for players to celebrate, and they come up with some very unique and often entertaining ways. So we want them to focus on that and not on the inappropriate areas.”
Applying the Time Out Rule
Any request for a timeout that is not allowed by a team will be penalized with a delay of game, even if a referee does not grant the timeout. This is to avoid confusion and ensure compliance with the rules.
The “Tush Push” Remains Legal
Parecía que el tush push estaba por desaparecer, pero los dueños de la NFL terminaron manteniendo la jugada legal para la temporada 2025.Despite the debate, the “tush push”, a play popularized by the Eagles, will remain legal. The league and some teams did not garner the necessary support to ban it, although concerns about its safety persist. This play was executed 101 times in 2024, with the Eagles succeeding in 33 of 39 attempts and achieving 11 touchdowns.
The debate about this play will continue, especially if teams seek new ways to counter it.
Virtual Measurement
The NFL has implemented 8K Hawk-Eye cameras in each stadium to measure if the ball has reached the gain line and obtain a first down. The software will generate a virtual animation for viewers. The referees will still be in charge of signaling the position of the ball, and the measurement chains will still be present as a backup.
