Kick-Off Returns
 

Kick-off returns, by and large, in the NFL are “like watching paint dry”. The vast majority of the returns aren’t returns at all, but touchbacks. Place the ball on the 25-yard line.

Let’s suppose we change the rule. If the kickoff does not go out of the end zone, and thus, out of the field of play, it is “live”. No touchback. You have to run it out. It could make for some interesting field positions, but it would also revive one of the most exciting plays in football, the kickoff return.

My feeling is that kick-offs are, more and more, becoming non-plays. If you’re going to do that, just place the ball on the 25-yard line and start the game there.

The NFL would love to get rid of the kickoff, as it's the most "hazardous" play of the game. But they know they can't really do that (yet), so they've done their best to make it "safer". Players can't run up to the line anymore during the kick, they must release standing from the line. And the kickoff is from the 35 now instead of the 30, which is why you see so many touchbacks, along with the incentive of ball placement at the 25 instead old 20.

It may be less "exciting", but the old way won't be coming back. Eventually kickoffs will be gone completely..

I think they should get rid of the kicking game entirely. No kickoffs, no punts, no field goals, and no kicked extra points. Of course they would have to change the name of the game since the foot would never touch the ball.

Special teams still matter. This is the biggest problem with the overtime rule in college football. When it comes to OT, the NFL gets it, college doesn't.