Published: 18:57 GMT, 14 November 2025 | Updated: 18:58 GMT, 14 November 2025
New data about the safety of the NFL's modified kickoff rule proves that the procedure still poses some danger - despite the change from the traditional format in 2023.
Last season, the NFL introduced a new rule for kickoffs - branded the 'dynamic kickoff' - with a shorter run up from the kicking team. The intention was to reduce the likelihood of injuries.
Modifications were made ahead of the 2025 season, with a touchback moving to the 35-yard-line to incentivize more returns.
So far, that move has paid off. Through the first seven weeks, 79.3 percent of kickoffs had been returned. That's up from 31.7 percent through the same period last year and up from the 2023 season - where only 22 percent of kickoffs were returned.
But the increase in returns has also led to increased injuries from the prior year. According to data revealed by [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6798426/2025/11/12/kickoff-returns-concussions-injuries-nfl/), the concussion rate per 100 kickoffs has climbed to 1.18 in the first seven weeks of this season, up from 0.09 in the same timeframe last season.
For kickoffs that are specifically returned, the rate has climbed to 1.48 per 100 over the first seven weeks. Last season, it was 0.29 per 100.
The NFL's adjustment to the 'dynamic kickoff' has led to more concussions this year than 2024
President Donald Trump has been one of the most vocal opponents of the new kickoff rules
What's missing from this data is how many concussions per 100 kickoffs were taking place in 2023 prior to the introduction of the 'dynamic kickoff'.
Statistics from the NFL published in February showed that the concussion rate on kickoffs in 2024 was down 43 percent compared to the rate from 2021-2023.
The change to kickoffs was controversial - [with President Donald Trump being one of the most vocal opponents of the move.](/sport/nfl/article-15099871/Donald-Trump-slams-NFL-sissy-football.html)
Earlier this week, in an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Trump reiterated, 'I hate the kickoff. I think it's so terrible, I think it's so demeaning, and I think it hurts the game. It hurts the pageantry.
'I've told that to Roger Goodell, and I don't think it's any safer. I mean, you still have guys crashing into each other, and ... it's the opposite of what the game (is supposed to be). The ball is in the air, and nobody's moving. It's supposed to be when the ball is in the air, when the ball is played, you're supposed to move.
'You walk in and the pageantry of the game is so badly hurt. And I don't think NFL, you know, they don't, they do what they want to do, but I don't think they'll change.'