In Week 1 of the 2023 season, the NFL recorded a historically low 20.5% kickoff return rate, the desired result of a new rule that encourages teams to kick unreturnable balls. The Week 1 touchback rate of 77.6% was the highest since 2000 and likely a league record. The league has projected that the rule would result in a touchback rate of approximately 70% over the course of the full season, with a corresponding 15% drop in concussions on the play. The league has been researching more significant rule changes that could elevate the return rate without raising concussion numbers.

• The NFL recorded a historically low 20.5% kickoff return rate in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
• The Week 1 touchback rate of 77.6% was the highest since 2000 and likely a league record.
• The league has projected a touchback rate of approximately 70% for the full season, with a corresponding 15% drop in concussions on kickoffs.
• The league is researching rule changes to increase the return rate without raising concussion numbers.