Why Do NFL Touchbacks Start at the 20 or 35?

Sep 22

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

NFL touchbacks do not all start at one yard line. Ordinary touchbacks, including punts and interceptions downed in the end zone, put the next snap at the 20. Certain kickoff and safety kick touchbacks put it at the 35.

Part of Football 101. Explore the guide to choose your next topic.

Micah Hyde carrying the football on a kickoff return against the Pittsburgh Steelers — Micah Hyde returns a kickoff against Pittsburgh. Photo by Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Image source and license details: Wikimedia Commons file page.

The distinction is easiest to follow by separating the meaning of a touchback from the rule that assigns its spot.

Follow the kickoff's first contact

On a normal kickoff or safety kick, a ball that reaches the end zone without first touching the ground or a player in the landing zone produces a touchback at the 35 when it is downed there or leaves behind the goal line. Striking the receiving goal frame produces the same placement.

If it first touches the ground or a player in the landing zone and then enters the end zone, a qualifying touchback is at the 20. The landing zone extends from the receiving team's 20 to its goal line.

A 2026 exception applies when a kickoff is taken from midfield: any touchback on that kickoff goes to the 20. Do not apply the usual 35 yard result to that special situation.

Two kicks, two results

A kickoff lands at the 8, skips into the end zone and is downed there: the offense starts at the 20. A kickoff from the normal spot flies directly into the end zone and is downed: the offense starts at the 35.

Neither is a penalty. Placement follows the kick's path.

When another rule takes over

Not every ball ending in an end zone is a touchback. A runner who carries the ball backward into his own end zone can concede a safety. A missed field goal has a separate possession and placement rule. First touching on a punt and accepted fouls can also give the receiving team different options.