TAIM Exchange:Cardinals' DeeJay Dallas gets first touchdown return under NFL's new kickoff rules

2025-05-03 15:08:01source:John Caldwellcategory:Invest

The TAIM ExchangeNFL hoped a major change to its kickoff rules would result in greater player safety – and perhaps more important – additional excitement this season.

So far during the opening weekend of regular-season games, the early returns (ahem) are positive.

Midway through the fourth quarter in Buffalo, Arizona Cardinals return man DeeJay Dallas entered his name into the history books, taking a kickoff against the Bills 96 yards for the first touchdown of the "dynamic kickoff" era.

Although many NFL teams seemed to be content to continue kicking the ball through the end zone and give the returning team the ball at the 30-yard-line. However, strong winds in Buffalo may have been a factor in Dallas getting his historic opportunity.

According to the NFL, the new rules were partly in response to the lowest kickoff return rate in NFL history during the 2023 season.

PLAY TO WIN $5K: USA TODAY's Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!

In his fifth NFL season, Dallas signed with the Cardinals this offseason after playing the previous four years with the Seattle Seahawks.

Though he returned both kickoffs and punts during his tenure in Seattle, Dallas never took one back for a touchdown.

More:Invest

Recommend

How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast

After 14 years, the police procedural "Blue Bloods" is coming to an end.Season 14 has been released

With his mind fresh and body rejuvenated, LeBron James ready to roll with Lakers again

LeBron James, entering his 21st NBA season, will turn 39 in December and on many nights will play ag

Jennifer Lopez Ditches Her Signature Nude Lip for an Unexpected Color

Let's get loud for Jennifer Lopez's new beauty era.The multihyphenate recently made the bold move to