New kickoff rule is the biggest change approved at the NFL Annual Meeting 

On the first Saturday of every month, Mark will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization, and then answer five fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Mark with their name and hometown at:

The NFL held its annual league meeting two weeks ago in Orlando, Fla. Compared to previous meetings, the agenda was relatively light. The biggest change coming out of the meeting was the adoption of a new kickoff rule that is modeled after the XFL’s previous rule. The new kickoff is dramatically different than the traditional kickoff (the kicking team will be ahead of the kicker, the majority of the return team is five yards away from the kicking team, and players cannot move until the ball is either caught or hits the ground), but it should be safer and there should be significantly more returns. We were one of the three teams to vote against the new rule. I explain our thought process in an answer to one question below.

Other rules that were passed included banning the hip drop tackle – an extremely dangerous play where the tackler typically grabs the back of the runner’s jersey and swings his legs into the legs of the runner. It may be hard for officials to see the infraction on the field, but passing the rule allows the league office to fine players after the game. It will be good to get this play out of the game. Another rule change of note can provide teams with an additional replay challenge. Teams will now have a third challenge if they are successful in one of their first two challenges (you had to be two for two under the previous rule).

International play continues to be a top priority for the league. Currently, the NFL is a top three sport in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The goal is to make the league more popular in additional countries. This year there will be five international games (three in London, one in Germany and the first-game ever in Brazil). In 2025, there will be eight international games. Future games could be held in Spain, Mexico, Italy, and Australia, among other countries. The International Player Pathway program (17th practice squad player) is also part of the overall strategy.

Flag Football was also highlighted at the meeting. Since 2019, participation in flag football has more than tripled. This helps the NFL not only in football participation (many players transition to tackle) but also in fan development. In a growing number of states, girls…