Bears ST coach says Eagles are violating intent of the rule by using holder on kickoffs
Last week, the Eagles used a holder on their kickoffs so that the ball could be placed at an angle that affected the trajectory of the ball and made it harder for the returner to field.
Yahoo Sports · September 25, 2026
Hightower, who was one of the special teams coaches who was involved in adopting the NFL's "dynamic" kickoff, said permitting a 12th player on the field to hold the ball was intended to be for windy conditions with the ball in a tee, and not for what the Eagles are doing.
"Two years we talked about it, where you could use a holder," Hightower said. "It evolved to weather-related only. This past year it changed to you can use it at any time. But . . . the intent of the rule is the ball is supposed to be in a tee when you have a holder out there. It's not to be used like you've seen it used here lately."
Hightower said there was a conference call with special teams coaches scheduled to discuss the matter.
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