The NFL landscape saw a lot of rule changes come into place on Tuesday during the League Meetings and the Chicago Bears had a major hand in altering one of the new rules starting during the 2025 season.

That new rule relates to adding some adjustments the dynamic kickoff that debuted in 2024 after seeing the new rule play out for a full season.

In 2025, touchbacks on kickoffs will now come out to the 35-yard line instead of the 30-yard line. This change will discourage the kicking team from booting the ball out of the back of the end zone, thus encouraging more returns.

With this touchback spot change, the NFL has been projecting an increase in the return rate from ~33% in 2024 to between 60%-70% in 2025. There are some downstream aspects that could come into play in terms of field position, scoring, game management when you add that many plays. — via Kevin Seifert

According to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, the person who spearheaded this new change to get approved was Denver Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, but he also was assisted by Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower.

"We’re going to see a lot more kickoff returns in the NFL," Rizzi said on Tuesday. "A great day for the fans because we’re going to add a lot more excitement."

#Broncos ST coordinator Darren Rizzi, who has helped shape the kickoff rules (alongside #Bears asst Richard Hightower), which now moves the touchback spot to the 35: “We’re going to see a lot more kickoff returns in the NFL. A great day for the fans because we’re going to add a… pic.twitter.com/CxTm5GHM6g

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 1, 2025

Heading into the 2024 season, Hightower was also main advocate for the new dynamic kickoff rules and fought to keep kickoff returns in the game.

"It's exciting. The unknown is what everybody is excited for," Hightower said. "What I expect is a lot more returns. I know the players are extremely excited about it. I know we're extremely excited to coach it and to be a part of something that's revolutionizing the game… To be a part of that is special."

By moving the touchback line, even more kickoff returns will be encouraged. Which is great for the league, the players, and the fans. It's also going to be even more beneficial to Hightower's return unit based on his newest special teams weapon.

Devin Duvernay set to be a major factor in Chicago

A few days back, it was announced that the Bears signed free agent Devin Duvernay after working out multiple return specialists who are also wide receivers on offense.

The Bears opted to go with Duvernay, the former first-team All Pro and two-time Pro Bowl returner. Duvernay has averaged 24.9 yards per return on kickoffs in his career with two kickoffs returned for a touchdown.

Here’s a sample of what the Bears hope they’re getting in Devin Duvernay, who hit 21.60 mph on this return touchdown. That’s a speeding violation in many school zones. pic.twitter.com/H0lD18zrhv

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 19, 2025

Hightower likely played a major role in bringing Duvernay into Chicago with inside knowledge that this new rule could get passed this offseason.

He certainly played this the right way and now with more kickoff returns expected to take place in 2025, the Bears have a legitimate special teams weapon for other teams to worry about every week.

Ben Johnson gushes over Penn State TE Tyler Warren, making potential interest in the Bears drafting him even more compelling

He’s a complete weapon.