Here is everything fans need to know about NFL rules and points of emphasis for the 2025 season.
www.espn.com
What are NFL rules changes in 2025? Kickoffs, OT, tush push
The NFL opens the 2025 season Thursday, when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), and with it comes an assortment of rule changes and points of emphasis that will undoubtedly enter the public discussion through the next five months.
The league has tweaked its kickoff, hoping to generate a much higher return rate. Its competition committee has worked to make overtime fairer, employed technology to support its on-field officials and warned players that it will be vigilant in disciplining them for violations of the league's sportsmanship rules.
And after months of debate, the league decided that the Eagles' tush push short-yardage play would remain legal -- for at least one more season. A proposal to ban it fell two votes shy of approval.
Here is a guide for what fans need to know, with comments from the NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller, who oversees player health and safety, and NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson.
Kickoff touchbacks moved to 35-yard line
What replay officials can and can't do
Guaranteed possession in overtime, except ...
Point of emphasis on sportsmanship rules
Enforcing no timeouts rule
Tush push: still legal
Virtual measurement