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Bears Things: New NFL kickoff rule debuts with Devin Hester in the house

August 1, 2024

Chicago Bears cornerback Devin Hester (23) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts

Feb 4, 2007; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Devin Hester (23) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts at Dolphins Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-US PRESSWIRE Copyright © 2007 Tony Tomsic

Good morning, Bears fans!
After months of speculation about what the NFL’s new “dynamic” kickoff will look like, we’ll get our first opportunity to see it tonight in the Hall of Fame Game.
The rules are complicated, but the point is simple: the NFL wants more returns, while also making it a safer play. As Devin Hester goes into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, what better place to debut the new kickoff than in Canton?
Back in the spring, I had the chance to talk to Richard Hightower (Bears), John Fassel (Cowboys) and Darren Rizzi (Saints) at various points as this rule was proposed and eventually passed. They are the three special teams coordinators credited as the architects for ...

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