The NFL's recent changes to its kickoff rules appear to have achieved their primary objectives, particularly in increasing the number of returns.

There was a stretch throughout the 2010s, and even into the early 2020s, when it seemed the NFL was going to phase out the kickoff. Touchbacks had become the norm, injury concerns made it one of the most dangerous plays in the sport and every kick seemed to be an automatic touchback.

However, recent rule changes to the play — including moving touchbacks out to the 35-yard line — have brought it back to prominence at record rates.

Record number of kickoff returns through four weeks

On Thursday, ESPN reported that the NFL has already seen 519 actual kickoff returns (not touchbacks) through the first four weeks of the season, the most the lea

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