The NFL’s adoption of XFL-style kickoff rules for the 2024-2025 season marked the most significant rule change in professional football in years. The innovation, designed by Sam Schwartzstein who developed the original XFL kickoff format, produced mixed results in its first season while establishing a foundation for future modifications.
XFL Innovation Transforms NFL Special Teams
The new kickoff was designed by Sam Schwartzstein, who in 2020 was in charge of developing the innovative rules for the XFL to implement. The XFL saw over 90% of kickoffs returned during their 2023 season, compelling NFL owners to vote 29-3 in favor of adopting the modified format. This significant rule change has created new opportunities for strategic analysis, with platforms like norgesspill.com providing comprehensive insights into how these innovations affect betting markets and game outcomes.
The XFL had 341 kickoff returns in 2023 with their kickoff rules while the NFL had 587. The XFL played just 40 regular-season games to the NFL’s 272, as the XFL averaged 8.5 while the NFL averaged 2.2. This stark difference highlighted the need for change in the NFL.
2024 Season Performance Data
The dynamic kickoff rule increased NFL return rates but fell short of XFL success levels. Under the new rule, there were 332 more kickoff returns in 2024, which translates to an increase in the kickoff return rate to 32.8%, up from 21.8%. The NFL saw 59 big play returns — returns of 40 or more yards — the most in the league since 2016.
However, 64.3% of kickoffs were still touchbacks, marking the second-lowest return rate since 2000, behind only the 2023 season. The preseason showed more promise with a 70.5% return rate, the highest in more than a decade, but regular season numbers proved more conservative.
Rule Mechanics Show XFL Influence
The NFL adopted core XFL principles while making strategic modifications. Kickers still kick off from their own 35-yard line, but the remaining 10 members of the kicking team line up at the opponent’s 40-yard line. The receiving team lines up between their own 30 and 35-yard lines.
The landing zone between the 20-yard line and end zone must house returned kicks. Any kick that hits short of the landing zone gets spotted at the 40-yard line. Kicks that go into the end zone result in touchbacks at the 30-yard line, five yards short of the original XFL rule.
Safety Improvements Validate XFL Design
The Dynamic Kickoff rule worked as intended regarding player safety. The new rule slowed the average player speeds, which led to a lower concussion rate (down 43% vs. 2021-23 average) and the fewest lower extremity strains on the play since at least 2018.
Returns increased 57% in the regular season and there were 7 kickoffs returned for touchdowns, the most since 2021. Kickers registered 11.5 tackles plus assists, up from 4 in 2023, showing increased involvement in coverage.
Strategic Implementation Varies by Team
Of the 1,249 non-onside kickoffs in 2024, only 11 (0.9%) fell short of the 20-yard line, 251 (20.1%) hit inside the landing zone and 986 (78.9%) went into or through the end zone. Teams approached the new format differently, with some embracing returns while others prioritized field position through touchbacks.
The average drive start for all kickoffs was the 28.8 yard line, up 4.6 yards from 2023. On kickoffs that were returned, the average drive start was the 28.0 yard-line, demonstrating improved field position for receiving teams.
Future Modifications Expected
League officials acknowledge the need for further adjustments. Competition Committee co-chairman Rich McKay stated that special teams coordinators will continue refining the format. The league implemented the rule on a one-year trial basis, allowing for modifications or elimination in 2025.
But it’s hard to envision more kickoffs getting returned unless a truly drastic change is made, like reverting touchbacks back to the 20-yard line. Teams continue believing that touchbacks offer better risk-reward propositions than returns.
XFL Legacy in Professional Football
The XFL’s impact extends beyond rule adoption. The league’s 97% return rate compared to the NFL’s 22% last season with the traditional kickoff demonstrated the viability of innovative approaches. The XFL’s format proved that injuries are far less common within the system, as high impact collisions are almost entirely avoided.
The NFL’s willingness to embrace XFL innovation signals recognition of spring football’s role in advancing the sport. While results didn’t match XFL success rates, the foundation established in 2024 provides a framework for continued evolution.
The experiment did not fail. But nor did it solve all the NFL’s woes with kickoffs. The Competition Committee will likely recommend further modifications based on 2024 data, potentially moving closer to the original XFL format that produced such high return rates.
The adoption represents the most significant influence of alternative football leagues on the NFL in decades, validating the XFL’s role as an innovation laboratory for professional football.
