(670 The Score) Back in 2011, the NFL made a significant adjustment to the kickoff format by moving the spot of the kick up five yards from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. In doing so, the league significantly reduced the number of returns as touchbacks became more frequent.
The rule adjustment probably most affected legendary Bears returner Devin Hester, the NFL’s all-time leader in return touchdowns. So perhaps it was fitting that as Hester is celebrated this weekend for his upcoming Hall of Fame induction in Canton, the league introduced a new kickoff format.
The new kickoff is conducted with the coverage team lined up at the opponents' 40-yard line and most of the return team set up between its own 30- and 35-yard line. Only the kicker and the two returners (who can line up inside their own 20-yard line) are permitted to move until the football is caught or touches the turf.
The goal is to reduce violent collisions on the kickoff play while also increasing return opportunities. Hester wishes he could’ve had a chance to play with this new format.
“The first two years (of my career), people didn’t believe I could do what I do,” Hester told the Mully & Haugh Show on Friday in Canton. “And the following four or five years from (then), people respected me. Whenever I was out there on the field, they feared me, so it limited the returns that I had. That paid a big toll in my career. With the new rule nowadays, I probably would’ve had 40 returns (for touchdowns).
“The new rule is really going to force the return game, bring it back to life. It’s a way to bring back special teams, it’s a way to bring back the returners that kind of got overshadowed and overlooked because of the new rule. Of course, you know the (previous) rule was put in because of me. Now, it allows returners to get their hands on the ball. So, I’m hoping that we can bring back this return game, which was an exciting part of the game.”
An 11-year NFL veteran, Hester is the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns with 20, including 14 punt return touchdowns. He was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and played eight seasons for Chicago. Hester recorded 19 of his record 20 return touchdowns with the Bears.
Hester will be immortalized into the Hall of Fame this weekend alongside Bears greats Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Julius Peppers and others.