Saints’ J.T. Gray on new kickoff format: ‘I feel like that’s going to be a great thing’

Gray has particular reason to be thrilled about the kickoff tweaks, given he was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler as a special teamer in 2021. The new rules will only provide him more opportunity to apply his skills, and New Orleans also has plenty of firepower beyond Gray with Rashid Shaheed on its roster. In 2023, Shaheed earned his first Pro Bowl nod as a returner. Shaheed had 25 punt returns for 339 yards and one touchdown while contributing 18 kickoff returns for 384 yards in 15 games.

There’s been plenty of positive chatter from other players on the new kickoff rule, as well. Cowboys special teamer C.J. Goodwin said it will be “fun” with more returns expected to occur. Other position players like Chiefs safety Justin Reid are even trying to get involved by kicking under the new format.

With New Orleans’ training camp set to start for veterans on July 23, Gray, along with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, will continue to make adjustments. If all things go well for the new kickoff rule in 2024, expectant contributors like Gray, Goodwin and Reid could see the NFL renew it for the 2025 season.