The NFL has finalized a major rule change following the conclusion of the 2025 Spring League Meeting, which wrapped up today in Minneapolis. Among several updates voted on by team owners, Playing Rule Proposal No. 1 was officially approved, making permanent a revamped kickoff format introduced on a trial basis last season. The changes aim to improve player safety, reduce high-speed collisions, and bring more excitement back to kickoff returns.
These NFL kickoff rule changes 2025 feature a new alignment that resembles a scrimmage play, with both teams lining up closer together and limiting movement until the ball is touched.