What new kickoff techniques are NFL kickers using in 2025?

Kickers like Ryan Fitzgerald are experimenting with "knuckleball" kickoffs, which involve altering the tilt and strike point of the ball to make it behave unpredictably and difficult to field.

How have the rule changes to touchbacks impacted special teams in 2025?

The NFL recently changed the touchback rule to give offenses the ball at the 35-yard line instead of the 30, making touchbacks less desirable. This has led to a surge in innovative kickoff strategies to avoid touchbacks and gain better field position.

What is the Texans' special teams coordinator Frank Ross doing to innovate in 2025?

Ross developed a "feedback loop" with his players to tailor their special teams units to their specific abilities, experimenting with new schemes and techniques to gain a competitive edge.

Home / Sports / Kickoff Revolution Reshapes NFL's Special Teams Landscape

Kickoff Revolution Reshapes NFL's Special Teams Landscape

13 Nov

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Summary

Kickers experimenting with "knuckleball" kickoffs to avoid touchbacks
Surge in blocked field goals and 50+ yard field goal attempts
Special teams coordinators innovating to gain competitive edge

Kickoff Revolution Reshapes NFL's Special Teams Landscape

In the 2025 NFL season, the third phase of the game—special teams—has taken center stage. Kickers are experimenting with innovative "knuckleball" kickoffs to avoid touchbacks, leading to a surge in blocked field goals and a record number of 50+ yard field goal attempts.

Just last March, Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald showcased his ability to "knuckleball" kickoffs, impressing NFL scouts. This new technique, which involves altering the tilt and strike point of the ball, has become a valuable weapon as the league recently changed the touchback rule to give offenses the ball at the 35-yard line instead of the 30.

Through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season, teams like the Panthers and Rams have leveraged these unpredictable kickoffs to rank among the league leaders in opponent starting field position. Meanwhile, the number of blocked field goals and punts has more than doubled compared to last year, with some blocks directly deciding game outcomes.