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. The rule also introduces new onside kick flexibility, allowing trailing teams to declare an onside kick at any point in the fourth quarter, with strict formation and spacing rules now in place. In addition, the updated kickoff structure redefines setup zones, tightens blocking restrictions, and eliminates wedge formations.
The league announced the decision today, May 21, following the conclusion of its Spring Meeting to ensure all votes and discussions were finalized. Below is the full, official text of the new rule, which will be in effect for the 2025 NFL season.
### ๐ Onside Kick Rule Updates (2025)
* Teams can now **declare an onside kick at any time in the fourth quarter** if trailing.
* Strict new formation rules limit player alignment and movement before the kick.
* The receiving team must have **8โ9 players in a designated 15-yard setup zone**.
* If the kick goes **untouched beyond the setup zone**, it becomes a dead ball, and the receiving team gains possession.
* Penalties include a **15-yard loss and change of possession** for failed onside attempts that donโt meet the criteria.
> _Amend Rule 6 as follows (new language underlined and in red, deleted language struck through):_
**RULE 6 โ FREE KICKS**
**Section 1 โ Procedures for a Free Kick**
* Article 1. _Free Kick Definition_: A kickoff, safety kick, or onside kick that puts the ball in play to start a free kick down.
* Article 2. _Restraining Lines and Zones_: Defines kicking and receiving teamsโ restraining lines, setup zones, and landing zones.
* Article 3. _Kickoff Formation_: Specifies player positioning rules and movement restrictions for both teams.
* Article 4. _Catch or Recovery_: Details possession, recovery rights, and ball-dead situations.
* Article 5. _Kick Crosses Goal Line_: Outlines when a touchback applies and which yard line marks possession.
* Article 6. _Onside Kick_: Allows teams trailing at any time to declare an onside kick and sets new formation and recovery rules.
* Article 7. _End of Free Kick_: Clarifies when a free kick ends.
**Section 2 โ Other Free Kick Fouls**
* Article 1. _Blocking Restrictions_: Sets guidelines for legal and illegal blocks during kickoffs.
* Article 2. _Onside Kick Blocking_: Adds further rules for blocking during onside kicks.
* Article 3. _Running into Kicker_: Penalizes unnecessary contact with the kicker.
* Article 4. _Free Kick Out of Bounds_: Details enforcement for out-of-bounds kicks.
* Article 5. _Illegally Touched Kick_: Addresses illegal touching by out-of-bounds players.
* Article 6. _Voluntarily Out of Bounds Players_: Penalizes intentional evasion.
**Section 3 โ Enforcement of Fouls**
* Article 1. _Previous Spot Enforcement_: Provides guidelines for enforcing penalties and yardage.
**Submitted by:** NFL Competition Committee
**Effect:**
* Makes permanent the kickoff structure introduced in 2024.
* Modifies formation and alignment rules for both onside and traditional kickoffs.
* Enables onside kicks any time in the 4th quarter for trailing teams.
* Promotes player safety and competition.
**Reason:** Enhance player safety, maintain competitive equity, and encourage exciting returns.
Stop by the JetNation Forums to read more about the new [NFL kickoff rules](https://forums.jetnation.com/topic/185623-on-side-kicks-are-back-sorta/).