The NFL’s upcoming regular season will bring plenty of changes, both on and off the field. While some will be obvious, others may be overlooked by casual fans. Here’s what to watch for in 2025.
Announcers
Fans of former Giants running back Tiki Barber will have to listen to him on WFAN as he’ll no longer be seen on CBS, while J.J. Watt will call games with Ian Eagle in the booth, leaving his spot on “The NFL Today.” Former kicker Jay Feely has also left CBS to prepare for a congressional run in 2026.
The biggest change comes at Fox, where Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson will not return as a studio analyst on “Fox NFL Sunday” after 31 years. He’ll be replaced by Rob Gronkowski, who joined the network in 2019.
First downs
In a long-overdue move, the NFL will measure first downs electronically in 2025. Rather than rely on chains and links to measure distance, the league will use Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology to determine down and distance.
Those who watched this year’s Hall of Fame game are already familiar with the concept, as are those on NFL chain gangs, who will remain on the sidelines as a secondary measure should there be any technical issues.
Kickoffs
To reduce injuries and limit the number of touchbacks, the NFL adopted the “dynamic kickoff” format in 2024. Under the new rules, players on the kicking team lined up at the other team’s 40-yard line rather than the point of the kick, and touchbacks were moved up five yards to the 30-yard line.
This year, the league will use the same parameters, except that touchbacks will be placed at the 35-yard line. Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the NFL expects the move to increase the rate of returns from 33% in 2024 to upwards of 70% in 2025. That remains to be seen, but NFL fans will gladly take more plays like this:
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