The NFL has a new feature: Hybrid Kickoffs
How a Product Requirements Document might look for the NFLs newest rule change
With the new kickoff rule passed I wondered what this change would look like if written in the format of a product requirements document. After all, the NFL is a product and this is a significant change/enhancement to many of the personas involved (players, coaches, general managers, and fans). And so without further ado…
Hybrid Kickoffs
v1.0 - 27 March 2024
Context
A balancing act between player safety and relevance
For over a decade, the NFL endeavored to tackle the issue of high injury rates on kickoffs by implementing rules aimed at decreasing returns through touchbacks and fair catches.
According to NFL data, the frequency of concussions during kickoffs is more than double as it is during plays from scrimmage. And it’s not only concussions. NFL data also shows that approximately 30 percent of all torn ACL injuries occur during special teams plays, despite these plays accounting for only about 17 percent of all plays. For the 2023 season, the NFL league enhanced the touchback rule for a one-year trial. The receiving team would get the ball at its own 25 with a fair catch anywhere behind that yard line.
The 2023 season saw a 60 percent decrease in concussions sustained during kickoff plays, dropping from 20 to 8. However, only 21% of kickoffs were returned in the 2023 season.
While everyone would agree that player safety should always be the top priority, the relevance of the kickoff to the NFL game is fading away.
Opportunity
This PRD outlines a new hybrid kickoff rule proposal to address these concerns. The proposed rule aims to:
Mitigate injury risk: Reduce the frequency of high-impact collisions associated with traditional kickoff returns.
Increase kickoff return rate: Restore the strategic value and excitement of kickoff returns as an element of the game.
We have high confidence in our hypothesis that this rule change will achieve our stated goals because we’ve observed the results of this very same experiment before in the XFL with outstanding success.
Acceptance Criteria
Here’s how the new hybrid kickoff works:
Kickoff Placement: The ball is kicked off from the 35-yard line.
Alignment of Teams: The kicking team’s players, except the kicker, must line up at the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving team must have at least seven players in the “set up zone,” which is a five-yard area between their own 35- and 30-yard lines.
Movement Restrictions: Only the kicker and the returners can move until the ball is either caught or hits the ground.
Return Zone: Returners are allowed to position themselves inside the 20-yard line.
Touchbacks: If the ball reaches the end zone in the air, the receiving team can opt for a touchback, starting the drive at the 30-yard line.
Out of bounds: If the ball goes out of bounds before reaching the end zone or doesn’t reach the landing zone, the receiving team starts at the 40-yard line.
Mandatory Returns: Any kick that lands inbounds and does not reach the end zone must be returned.
Success Metrics
Kickoff return rate (percentage of kickoffs resulting in a return)
A 50% return rate or higher will be a success
Number and rate of kickoff-related injuries (concussions, ACL tears, etc.)
8 or less concussions on kickoff plays will be a success
A lower rate of ACL injuries on kickoffs than in 2023
Other Metrics to Track Impact on the Game
Average starting field position after kickoffs
Player, coach, and fan sentiment toward the new rules
Launch Plan
Rulebook Updates: Incorporate the hybrid kickoff rules into the official rulebook and distribute to teams.
Training Camp Briefings: Conduct in-person training sessions with coaches, players, and officials during preseason.
Preseason Trials: Implement the hybrid kickoff rules during preseason games to identify and address any issues.
Regular Season Launch: Officially implement the hybrid kickoff rules for the upcoming regular season.
Continuous Monitoring: Closely track metrics and gather feedback from stakeholders throughout the season.
Offseason Review: Evaluate the success of the hybrid kickoff rules and determine if any further adjustments are required.
Conclusion
The proposed hybrid kickoff rule offers a potential solution to the NFL's kickoff conundrum. This rule aims to create a safer and more strategic kicking game while preserving the excitement of kickoff returns. Through careful monitoring and evaluation, the NFL can determine if this approach effectively addresses the identified issues.