Rule change prompts highest kickoff-return rate since 2010

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th September, 12:57 2025

Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) returns a kickoff against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

NFL teams returned 75.6 percent of the kickoffs in Week 1, the highest rate in the league in 15 years, after moving the touchback to the 35-yard line.

The rate last season with touchbacks spotted at the 30-yard line was just 32.8 percent.

The rate of 75.6 percent (118 of 156) was the highest since Week 17 of the 2010 season and the highest in a season-opening weekend since 2010 (78.1 percent), according to ESPN.

The league has altered the kickoff rules over the years to try to minimize the number of injuries resulting from high-speed collisions. Kickoffs now begin with most players standing downfield, unable to move until the ball touches the ground or a member of the return team.

--Field Level Media