On-Side Kicks

NFL Teams Reject 4th-and-20 Onside Kick Alternative

In a recent vote at the NFL league meeting, teams have once again rejected an alternative to the traditional onside kick. The proposal, put forth by the Philadelphia Eagles, suggested allowing teams to line up their offense on the field on fourth-and-20 instead of kicking off after scoring a touchdown or field goal. Under the proposed rule change, if a team scored, they would have the option to take the ball at their own 20-yard line and face a fourth-and-20 situation.