IN THE MIDDLE
NFL’s major kickoff rule change for 2024 season explained in Madden simulation – and football fans are divided
The NFL is also making changes to the onside kickoff for the 2024 season
THE NFL has used the popular football videogame Madden to explain to fans the new kickoff rules for this upcoming season - and many are divided on the changes.
A post on the NFL's Instagram is captioned, "Everything you need to know about the new Dynamic Kickoff. #Madden25."
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The video starts by explaining where the starting position of the kickoff will take place with the new rules.
"Kickers will kick from their own 35-yard line," the clip reveals.
The clip then explains that during the kickoff the field is now separated into three different areas.
Restraining line, setup zone, and landing zone are revealed as the three areas.
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For the kickoff team's restraining line 10 players must line up along the receiving team's 40-yard line.
Next, the video explains the setup zone which is the area between the receiving team's 35 and 30-yard line where at least nine players must start.
Last but not least is the landing zone which is the area between the receiving team's 20-yard line and goal line.
"The play begins only when the ball either hits the landing zone or is touched by the receiving team," the clip reveals.
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Any kick that hits in the landing zone must be returned which the NFL describes as "More returns, more action, more excitement."
Fans have rushed to social media after reading the new rules in the clip and have mixed emotions.
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"Should’ve never changed," wrote one fan.
"This'll be interesting!" raved a second.
"Definitely gonna add a new dynamic to the game. Will be interesting to see how it plays out," said a third fan.
"Everyone hates it, thanks for your part in ruining football," claimed a fourth.
NFL important dates
August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 - Pre-season begins
August 27 - Deadline for 53-man rosters
September 1 - Final day of pre-season
September 5 - Season opener - Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 - Trade deadline
January 5 - Week 18 of regular-season
January 11 - Playoffs begin
February 9 - Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
"This is a downright awful change," raged a fifth.
Whether fans like the new rules or not they will have to get used to it as there will also be changes to the onside kick this upcoming season.
There will be no element of surprise on an onside kick attempt next season after the NFL ruled that teams must announce it before they try.
Additionally, the new rule prevents teams from attempting an onside kick in the first three quarters of the game.
And finally, they will only be allowed by a team that is behind in points.
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An onside kick is when one team purposely kicks the football a short distance and attempts to regain possession of it.
The new rules were announced in March, NBC News reported, but many fans are just learning what it means as the preseason is scheduled to begin in just over a week.