NFL’s kickoff rule change nullifies main argument against tush push

Those against the tush push need a better argument.

On Tuesday, the NFL made a minor adjustment to its kickoff rules, and in doing so, nullified the main talking point coaches and owners have had against the short-yardage play made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles.

At the 2025 owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., the league voted to move touchbacks on kickoffs up to the 35-yard line to increase the number of kickoff returns. 

Per ESPN NFL reporter Kevin Seifert, “The NFL has been projecting an increase in the return rate from ~33% in 2024 to between 60%-70% in 2025.”