Devin Hester Embraces NFL Kickoff Rule Changes Amid Controversy

Miami Gardens, Florida – Devin Hester, the first player primarily recognized for returning kicks to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is pleased with the recent changes to NFL kickoff rules. Hester believes that if he played under today’s changes, he would have been a ‘first ballot’ Hall of Famer.

“I do enjoy watching kickoff returns again,” said Hester. “The game is getting exciting again with these tweaks.”

However, Super Bowl champion Kurt Warner, while appreciating some aspects of the new rules, expressed concern about their impact on the competition. “Did the NFL Competition Committee take into consideration how good kickers are now?” Warner questioned, pointing out that kick drives have become shorter as teams now average only 15 yards to reach field goal range. “I think everything should be earned… not given!”

The new rules, which were implemented before the start of the 2024 season, create a designated landing zone between the end zone and the 20-yard line. Kickoff returners wait between the 30- and 40-yard lines for the ball to be received or downed. As a result of these changes, Week 1 of the 2024 season saw a remarkable increase in kickoff returns, with teams returning 75.6% of kickoffs, the highest rate since 2010.

As the 2025 season approached, the league approved further changes. Under the new guidelines, some touchbacks resulted in the ball being placed at the 35-yard line. Additionally, teams trailing in score now have the option of declaring an onside kick. If a kickoff lands short of the landing zone, the receiving team starts its drive at the 40-yard line.

Special teams coordinators are now focused on developing strategies that ensure kickoffs land in the designated area to make it harder for the receiving team to handle the ball. Some teams are opting to allow touchbacks rather than risk conceding 35 yards.

The topic of kickoff rules became a point of contention after a game between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. A kickoff mistake by the Cardinals allowed the Seahawks to start their game-winning drive at the 40-yard line, which led to an eventual victory.

Fox News contributor Ryan Gaydos assisted with this report. For more updates and stories, sign up for Fox News Digital’s newsletter.