NFL Weighs Moving Kickoff Touchback to 30 Yards as CTE Study Sharpens Concussion Focus
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 25
NFL Weighs Moving Kickoff Touchback to 30 Yards as CTE Study Sharpens Concussion Focus
1 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 25
Summary
A new CTE study is giving NFL critics fresh leverage to push the kickoff touchback point back to the 30-yard line from 35.
The case centers on last season’s rule change, which encouraged more returns and was followed by a spike in concussions—especially for the returner and the tackler.
League officials already viewed that trade-off as “the elephant in the room” at March meetings, even as the current setup reduces the risk of catastrophic neck injuries on kickoffs.
Opponents of the 35-yard touchback also argue it shortens the field for offenses, and the new research is expected to intensify pressure for a rollback.