The Pro Bowl’s Onside Kick Alternative: Just Gain 15 Yards

John Raoux/Associated Press

The Pro Bowl is different from a typical N.F.L. game in a lot of ways. But one of the most obvious is that nobody kicks off. Since a rule change in 2013, the team that gives up a touchdown or a field goal simply gets the ball at its own 25-yard line.

But a team that is trailing late often needs an opportunity to get the ball back. Without kickoffs, there are no onside kicks. So this year, the N.F.C. and A.F.C. teams will have an alternative option.

A team that has just scored can opt to run a single play from its own 25-yard line. If the team gains 15 yards, it gets to keep the ball, and the game continues. If it fails, the opposition takes over where the ball is…