NFL Considering New Rules For Onside Kicks, Eliminating 'Surprise' Onside Kicks

The NFL has a kickoff problem. Specifically, kickoffs have been deemed "too dangerous," but the league doesn't want to eliminate them entirely. Part of the reason for that is there is only one method for a trailing team to get the ball back after a late score: the onside kick. 

Kickoff touchdowns and punt return touchdowns – as well as turnovers and big returns on those plays – are some of the most exciting plays in the sport. However, research suggests that the players collide at higher speeds on kick returns, so the NFL has done everything to reduce the number of returns. 

As is becoming the slogan of modern American society: safety first. 

The league is toying with the idea of changing its normal kickoff entirely, considering adoption of the XFL kickoff. That's a possibility, but it feels very unlikely for the NFL to go that drastic. 

However, one area that the league has always been hesitant to make changes is the way a trailing team can retain possession after a score late in a game. 

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk attempts an onside kick as Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk looks on during the fourth quarter an NFL football game.

(Florida Times-Union/USA TODAY Network)

The XFL adopted one of the most popular suggestions: let a team keep its offense on the field and try to convert something like a 4th and 15-type play to either keep possession or lose it. 

Again, this feels too drastic for the NFL. However, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that special teams coordinators from around the league got together and created a proposal to revamp the onside kick. 

The most important aspect of the proposal is that it would only "allow teams to attempt an onside kick only when trailing in the