NFL moves kickoffs to 35-yard line

Mar 22, 2011 - 6:20 PM New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - The NFL made a few rule changes on Tuesday, including moving kickoffs from the 30- to the 35-yard line.

Overall, four of the five proposals up for vote passed at the NFL owners meeting.

The league's competition committee wanted to move touchbacks to the 25, but the new rule will keep touchbacks at the 20. Also players on the kicking team will now only be allowed a five-yard running start, instead of the previous 15-yard running start.

The other major rule change involves scoring plays. The booth official will now confirm all scoring plays that are questionable. Coaches can still make two challenges a game, with the ability to gain a third if they are correct on both.

Also, don't expect to see Boise State-type fields in the NFL. The league passed a rule that all playing surfaces must remain grass-colored.

The final change cleared up confusion on penalties for dead ball fouls. The end of a half will not be extended when such a foul is called.