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NFL owners vote to move kickoffs up to 35-yard line

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NFL owners have voted to move kickoffs up five yards but decided not to do the same for touchbacks.

Teams will now kick off from the 35-yard line, as opposed to the previous spot at the 30. The league’s competition committee also had proposed putting the ball at the 25 after touchbacks on kickoffs; instead it will remain at the 20.

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Owners at a meeting in New Orleans also shot down a proposal to ban the blocking wedge, deciding instead to keep the number of players allowed in the maneuver at two.

Several coaches have said they did not want to make too many changes to kickoffs, and that five extra yards on touchbacks would have too much of an effect on field position. An increase in touchbacks was also a concern.

Owners also decided to make all scoring plays reviewable by the replay official and referee.

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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