By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. No. 3 UCLA Bruins Highlights | FOX College Hoops
No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini vs. No. 3 UCLA Bruins Highlights | FOX College Hoops
Game Analysis
Connor McDavid scores in OT to give Canada 3-2 win over USA in 4 Nations Face-Off final
Connor McDavid scores in OT to give Canada 3-2 win over USA in 4 Nations Face-Off final
Game Analysis
Maryland's Sarah Te-Biasu sinks 3-pointer to extend lead against Northwestern
Maryland’s Sarah Te-Biasu sinks 3-pointer to extend lead against Northwestern
Game Analysis
Maryland's Saylor Poffenbarger makes and-1 layup to extend lead against Northwestern
Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger makes and-1 layup to extend lead against Northwestern
Game Analysis
Eagles, Titans headline NFL teams that surrendered fewest total yards in 2024
Eagles, Titans headline NFL teams that surrendered fewest total yards in 2024
Game Analysis NFL
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Ravens’ Tucker bulking up for new kickoff rules
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Ravens’ Tucker bulking up for new kickoff rules
NFLSports News

Ravens’ Tucker bulking up for new kickoff rules

BigP
Last updated: 2024/06/07 at 6:22 PM
BigP Published June 7, 2024
Share
Ravens' Tucker bulking up for new kickoff rules
SHARE
  • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterJun 6, 2024, 04:58 PM ET

    Close

      Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The NFL’s new kickoff rule has altered the workout routine for the league’s most accurate kicker.

Justin Tucker said he has noticed that XFL kickers have been involved in 25% of the tackles with the revamped kickoff play, which has led him to add a few pounds.

“This might be really surprising to a lot of you guys and a lot of my teammates because I don’t hang out in the weight room too frequently,” Tucker said after the Baltimore Ravens‘ offseason practice Thursday. “Now I got to get some more shrugs, get the traps going a little bit, just to make sure I’m prepared for a little bit more contact.”

Asked whether he plans to add more muscle, Tucker said, “I have put on, like, 3.8 pounds. Can you guys tell? Probably not. But yeah, I’ll leave it at that.”

In March, NFL owners approved the massive change in kickoffs by a vote of 29-3. Under the new rule, which originated in the XFL, kickers will continue to kick from their own 35-yard line but the other 10 players on the kickoff team will line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, which is 5 yards from the return team. The kickers will represent the last line of defense.

Justin Tucker addressed the media after Ravens minicamp and discussed the changes to his workout routine in response to the NFL’s new kickoff rule. Jamison Hensley/ESPN

Tucker, a seven-time Pro Bowl kicker, has made eight tackles in 195 games. His most recent tackle came Dec. 17, 2022.

“I don’t think [tackling is] necessarily something that is encouraged [for kickers], but it’s not discouraged either,” Tucker said. “It kind of just comes with a territory. It’s a football play. We’re all football players out there, and ultimately if a returner is beelining toward the end zone and I’m the last guy there to stop him, it is part of my job description.”

Tucker, 34, is the most accurate kicker in NFL history, converting 90.2% of his attempts (395 of 438). Since entering the league as an undrafted rookie in 2012, he has recorded the most field goals in the NFL with 395. His 66-yard, game-winning field goal in Detroit on Sept. 26, 2021, is the longest in NFL history.

The revised kickoff rule is a new challenge for Tucker, who hasn’t practiced tackling since he was in high school. He brought up the possibility of doing some tackling drills in training camp this year.

Editor’s Picks

1 Related

“It’ll probably be really bad TV, but we’ll have fun doing it,” Tucker said.

According to Tucker, the Baltimore coaching staff has watched every XFL kickoff and sent some clips to Tucker for him to study. The Ravens are developing their own ideas on how to attack the play.

Last week, Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub said the team is considering using safety Justin Reid as a kickoff specialist because it would add a more proven tackler.

“Hell yeah, I want to be out there,” Tucker said. “At the same time, in fairness to the idea that a safety or a linebacker or somebody that has a little bit more training as a coverage athlete, as a tackler, yeah, I think it’s totally fair to turn over every stone and see what you got. Who knows? There might be a guy that can pinpoint drop the ball off the tee on the 5-yard line and then just go down there and smoke the ball carrier. I’d like to think I would be that guy.”

Sponsored Content

Bet the World Cup in Wager.dm

You Might Also Like

Eagles, Titans headline NFL teams that surrendered fewest total yards in 2024

Cowboys guard Zack Martin retiring after decorated career in Dallas

Kevin Patullo named Philadelphia Eagles OC—Can he unlock Jalen Hurts’ full potential? | First Things First

Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson: Myles Garrett and I ‘would be deadly’ together

BigP June 7, 2024
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Hightower returns to Patriots as linebackers coach
    NFLSports News

    Hightower returns to Patriots as linebackers coach

    BigP BigP February 10, 2024
    Orlovsky ranks the 14 QBs in the playoffs: Mahomes, Allen, Hurts or Burrow at No. 1?
    Jets’ Garrett Wilson feeling refreshed: ‘I had to get my feet back under me and my head right’
    Lawrence leads Jags from 27-0 hole in epic rally
    QB Davis, No. 35 prospect in ’24, picks Michigan
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?