Kickoff Rule Changes Spark Surge in Injuries, Concussions in 2025 NFL Season

The 2025 NFL season has seen a dramatic increase in kickoff returns and excitement, but also a concerning rise in player injuries and concussions. The league's new "dynamic kickoff" rules, introduced in 2024, have successfully boosted the return rate from 31.7% to 79.3% through the first seven weeks. However, this has come at a cost, with the concussion rate per 100 kickoffs climbing from 0.09 to 1.18.

Several high-profile players have suffered serious injuries on kickoffs this season. In Week 1, Philadelphia Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren tore his patella tendon on the opening kickoff and was ruled out for the year. New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson, one of the league's top kick returners, suffered a torn ACL on a kickoff in Week 5 and will miss the remainder of the season.

The data also shows a surge in concussions, with 13 reported through Week 7 compared to just one in the same period last year. This includes injuries to Denver Broncos star Marvin Mims Jr. and Washington Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho. League officials acknowledge the increase in kickoff-related injuries but say they will continue analyzing the data to determine if further rule changes are needed to improve player safety.