I watch his interview with Chris Long where he talked about this. Here is an article about it.
The NFL kickoff will be different in 2024 since the league's competition committee added new rules this offseason.
These new rules came to be because touchbacks became more expected on kickoff returns than actual returns themselves. The rules incentivize action and returns -- and tackling -- will be more important than ever, particularly on the last line of defense for the kicking team.
That's why the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have decided to insert safety Justin Reid as their new kickoff man. He filled in for kicker Harrison Butker in this capacity at different moments in the 2022 and 2023 seasons because of injury. Reid went 1 of 2 on extra points in Week 1 of the 2022 season at the Arizona Cardinals, a 44-21 Chiefs victory. His seven career kickoffs have traveled an average of 63.6 yards, and Reid has recorded five touchbacks.
"The advantage for us is that if I'm doing the job, which is what we're planning on doing, then I can fill that last gap, so it makes it a little bit easier, and nobody needs to win two gaps," Reid said on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast on Tuesday. "We're in a great place with it. Although I know he [Butker] can make some tackles, I think he's excited to preserve himself, and we can use him where we really need him, which is those fourth-quarter situations to go nail a 60-yard field goal and win the game. It would be devastating to try and trot a guy out there who's still nicked up from trying to make a tackle in the second quarter."
This is excellent tbh, butler has been hurt for the past couple years. This will give him a chance to only kick when we need him the most, may be able to save his leg a bit too for some longer field goals [Reply]
I actually really like this rule change, but not sure I like Reid kicking off. He’s too valued on defense and we have no idea the kind of injury rate that could occur on these new returns. I wish they would have let the rugby dude handle it. It will certainly give us an edge having Reid do it, but I’m not sure it’s worth it.
It does sound like Reid is on board with it, though, so let’s roll with it. Anything for the 3-peat. [Reply]
Reid is a great interview and I like Green Light whenever I have a chance to listen.
I also found the piece about kick trajectory changing interesting. The Chiefs think lots of kicks will be low with top spin because the coverage team can move when the ball touches the ground.
Originally Posted by MAHOMO 4 LIFE!:
This is excellent tbh, butler has been hurt for the past couple years. This will give him a chance to only kick when we need him the most, may be able to save his leg a bit too for some longer field goals
I wish I had a Butler.. I'd make him do my laundry.. [Reply]
