XFL debuts with revolutionary kickoff formation

WASHINGTON — Football is back! The XFL kicked off Saturday afternoon and it started with an odd-looking kickoff formation.

According to NBC Sports Pro Football Talk, the new rule makes it “revolutionary."

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The D.C. Defenders kicked to the Seattle Dragons with the D.C. kicker alone at his own 30. The rest of the team stood at the Seattle 35 with 10 Dragons standing at the 30.

Nobody moved until the deep returner caught the football.

Pro Football Talk said the approach reduces the impact of blockers and the players on the kicking team since there’s only five yards separating them. Those hard hits have contributed to many concussions and neck injures in the NFL.

VIDEO: XFL Commissioner speaks with KIRO 7's Chris Francis VIDEO: XFL Commissioner speaks with KIRO 7's Chris Francis

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