Out of the 32 team owners, 29 favored the change while three voted against the proposal. Among the dissenting voters was San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York, who expressed his concerns regarding the rule changes after the decision was passed.

York highlighted the drastic nature of the alterations, emphasizing the importance of player health and safety. The kickoff play was notorious for causing injuries, and the new rules aim to transform it from a ceremonial play to a more active aspect of the game. While York supported the idea, he called for further evaluation during the middle of the season. This approach would allow the opportunity to address any potential injury-related or competitive issues, rather than labeling the season as an "asterisk season" due to rule adjustments.

The new kickoff rules will be trialed during the 2024 season and subsequently put to vote again for renewal in 2025. As per the updated regulations, the ball will be kicked from the 35-yard line, with ten special teams members lined up at the opposing 40-yard line. Five players will be positioned on each side of the field. The returning team will have at least nine blockers positioned between the 30- and 35-yard line, with a minimum of seven players touching the 35-yard line. Two returners will be allowed within their own 20-yard line.

Until the ball either touches the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20-yard line, only the kicker and the two returners are permitted to move. A kick that reaches the end zone can either be returned or result in a touchback, with the team gaining possession at the 30-yard line. If the ball goes out of the end zone, it will also result in a touchback at the 30-yard line.

The NFL Competition Committee Chairman, Rich McKay, acknowledged that the rule changes were drastic and may have raised concerns. However, he assured the public that the decision was based on extensive research and evaluation. The committee has analyzed game footage and is confident in the implementation of the modified rules.

With the trial of the new rules set to take place in 2024, football fans and players alike will be keenly observing the impact and effectiveness of the revised kickoff rules. The hope is that this overhaul will strike a balance between preserving player safety and maintaining the excitement of the game.