NFL passes multiple new rules for upcoming 2026 season
Owners voted on multiple rule changes to improve the game
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Side judge Boris Cheek (41) worked his 460th game on Sunday, which tied him with former referee Walt Coleman for the most NFL games worked by an official, is seen here during the second half of a game between the Denver Broncos and against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R.
Sylvanie-Imagn Images The new season is just around the corner with the annual NFL owners meetings underway and the NFL draft just around the corner. With the new season, there have been multiple rule changes around the game to continue improving the sport, and some are quite interesting. There have been multiple rule changes surrounding the onside kick.
The NFL now permits “the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game. ” The league has eliminated “the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line. ” Another rule change is “modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone.
” Another new rule change listed now allows the NFL to consult with on-field officials on potential disqualifications. This was a rule that needed to be changed after the altercation with DK Metcalf and the Detroit Lions fan. This is because Metcalf wasn’t ejected because a flag was not thrown on the field, but that changes moving forward.