By Dianna Russini, Mike Jones and Amos Morale III
NFL owners have approved a rule change that will allow both teams to possess the ball in overtime during the regular season, a league source told The Athletic.
The new regular season overtime rules will now more closely resemble the playoff format where both teams are given at least one possession. That rule has been in place since 2022.
Unlike the playoff overtime period which lasts 15 minutes, the regular season’s overtime will remain just 10 minutes.
This rule change represents a major shift from the NFL’s current format — which can still result in a tie. Currently, both teams only get a possession in overtime if the first team to get the ball doesn’t score a touchdown on its opening drive of the extra frame. If the first team to play offense doesn’t score a touchdown, the opposing team gets a chance to possess the ball and could end the game with a touchdown.
The overtime rule change was one of several discussed at this week’s annual league meetings.
Owners also approved expanded replay assist has also been approved, a league source told The Athletic. Replay assist will be used to reverse incorrectly assessed penalties where “clear and obvious video evidence is present.” It would not enforced missed non-calls.
The league also voted to allow touchbacks on kickoffs to bring the ball to the 35-yard line, a league source told The Athletic. Last year, touchbacks brought the ball out to the 30-yard line.
The onside kick amendment will be adjusted and voted on later in May, according to a league source. That rule proposal would see teams being allowed to declare an onside kick “at any time during the game if trailing its opponent.” Last year, an onside kick could only be declared by the trailing team in the fourth quarter.
The owners voted to reject the Detroit Lions’ proposal to eliminate automatic first downs on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties, according to a league source.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images)