The onside kick, a short, controlled kickoff intended for recovery by the kicking team, remains a legal play in the National Football League. It is executed to regain possession of the ball, typically when a team is trailing late in a game and needs to score quickly. An example would be a team down by one score with two minutes remaining, attempting an onside kick to potentially gain possession and drive for a game-winning score.
Historically, the onside kick has provided an element of surprise and a pathway for dramatic comebacks. Its success rate, however, has been relatively low. While it adds excitement and unpredictability to the game, rule changes aimed at player safety have impacted its execution and effectiveness. Prior to 2018, the kicking team could have a running start, leading to more forceful collisions during the recovery attempt.
