might not rely on Harrison Butker for kickoff duties in the 2024 season. This shift comes in response to the NFL’s recently implemented kickoff rules, which significantly alter the dynamics of the play and involve kickers more directly in tackling.
Chiefs’ special teams coordinator Dave Toub highlighted the impact of these changes on Thursday. He noted that under the new rules, kickers are now involved in 25 to 40 percent of kickoff tackles. This increased physical demand on kickers has led the Chiefs to consider alternative players for kickoff duties.”I prefer having someone who can make a tackle,” Toub explained. “Butker can tackle, but I don’t want him doing it all season. If you watched the XFL, you’d see kickers involved in a significant number of tackles, possibly 25 to 40 percent.”
To mitigate this risk, Toub suggested using other players like Justin Reid, who is not only capable of kicking but also proficient in covering and making tackles. “We don’t want Butker in that situation,” Toub stated. “Justin can cover, he can kick, and he can go down there and make tackles.”
