🏛️Official — NFL
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Defenseless-player protection extended to punt/kick returners who possess the ball without time to avoid contact. Automatic replay-review expansion made permanent — covers scoring plays and turnovers negated by foul, plus all try attempts. Reserve/COVID-19 list instituted for positive tests or exposure.
Recorded May 7, 2026
Jersey-number expansion: running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers permitted to wear 1–49 and 80–89 (previously restricted). Preseason overtime eliminated for the first time since 1973. Kickoff set-up zone restricted to nine players on the receiving team.
Recorded May 7, 2026
Postseason overtime revised: both teams assured of one possession even if the first team scores a touchdown. Kickoff set-up zone permanently capped at nine receiving-team players (previously a 2021 experimental rule). Injured reserve eligibility expanded — players return after four games, with up to eight returns per team per season.
Recorded May 7, 2026
Fair catch on kickoffs at or behind the 25-yard line awarded at the 25-yard line (mirroring the college rule adopted in 2018). Tripping upgraded from a 10-yard penalty to a 15-yard personal foul, reversing a 1974 change. Plays resulting in turnover on downs added to the booth-reviewable list (not coach-challengeable).
Recorded May 7, 2026
Hip-drop tackle prohibited (defined as wrapping the runner with both arms or hands and unweighting via swivel/drop, landing on the runner's legs at or below the knee). Coaches granted a third challenge if either of the first two are upheld. Major offensive fouls now enforced even when the defense also commits one on a change-of-possession play. Dynamic kickoff format introduced on a one-year trial. Trade deadline shifted from Week 8 to Week 9.
Recorded May 7, 2026
Auto-detected content change during sync (commit d92f604)
Recorded May 7, 2026
Player Equipment (Mandatory)
May 23, 2026Defensive Penalties
May 23, 2026Offensive Penalties
May 23, 2026Pre-Snap Penalties (5 yards)
May 23, 2026Point Values
May 23, 2026Kickoffs — Dynamic Kickoff (Permanent 2025)
May 23, 2026Game Duration
May 23, 2026Game Officials (7)
May 23, 2026Player Positions
May 23, 2026Team Composition
May 23, 2026Goal Posts
May 23, 2026Field Markings
May 23, 2026Prohibited Equipment
May 23, 2026Targeting and Defenseless Player Protection
May 23, 2026Expanded Replay Review (2025)
May 23, 2026Overtime — Unified Rules (2025)
May 23, 2026The Field
May 23, 2026Section 3: Playing Area
May 23, 2026The Football
May 23, 2026Section 2: Equipment
May 23, 2026