First two kickoff under NFL's new rules are both returned to the 26
The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback
By ROB MAADDI
Published - Aug 02, 2024, 04:58 AM ET
Last Updated - Aug 02, 2024, 04:59 AM EDT
CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The first two kickoffs under the NFL’s radical new rule were both returned a yard farther than the old touchback.
Houston's Steven Sims fielded Cairo Santos' kickoff at the 5 and ran 21 yards before he was tackled at the 26 to open Thursday night's preseason game between the Texans and Chicago Bears. Touchbacks used to result in the offense starting at the 25.
After the Texans scored on the opening drive, Chicago's Tyler Scott caught Ka’imi Fairbairn's kickoff at the 7 and returned it 19 yards to the 26.
With both teams sitting starters, all eyes were on the overhauled kickoffs during the annual Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Stadium.
