NFL rules changes for 2025: touchback to 35, overtime change, replay and more (1 Viewer)

[GregR]

A list of NFL rule changes for the 2025 season:

• Kickoff touchbacks will be placed at the 35 now instead of at the 30. Last year, returned kicks averaged the 28.8 yard line, so there wasn't much difference between a touchback or return. The kickoff format change resulted in a43% fewer concussions on kickoffs. But the touchback rate was the highest since 2000.
• Replay officials can overturn more types of penalties than before. They can overturn flags for hits to the head and neck of a defenseless player, and horse-collar tackles. But as before, they still cannot cause a flag to be thrown where one wasn't by the on field officials.
• Teams can declare an onside kick at any time now, not just in the 4th quarter. The old rules would be used (with the addition that if the ball goes too far it's a penalty, can't kick it deep basically).
• Overtime is no longer ended by a touchdown on the first possession. The defending team is guaranteed a possession now, unless the full 10 minutes is used by the first possession, or the defense won via a safety.
• Point of emphasis on sportsmanship rules. Taunting went up by 55% last season, and unsportsmanlike gestures by 133%. These would now be a point of emphasis to flag under the existing rule: "Any violent gesture, which shall include, but not be limited to, a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive."
• Requesting an ineligible timeout will be penalized. In the past officials were instructed to ignore timeout requests when they had none left, or had already called one before the coming play, and it was only penalized if the refs goofed and granted it. Now it is supposed to always be flagged as delay of game.
• Virtual measurement of First Downs. No more chain gang other than as a visual representation. Measurements will be made via Hawk-Eye camera similar to tennis. Note this is checking the location the ball was spotted by the refs compared to the line to gain. It does not determine if the spot itself was good or bad. Supposed to be faster than having the chain gang run out.

Tush Push is still legal this year. It was 2 votes short on a rule that would get rid of it.

 

[rockaction]

Overtime is no longer ended by a touchdown on the first possession. The defending team is guaranteed a possession now, unless the full 10 minutes is used by the first possession, or the defense won via a safety.

Thanks for this, GregR! I was unaware of the quoted change.