Major kickoff change proposed; Site says Chad has Major kicks

Updated: 3:15 p.m.

There are only a few proposed changes in the NFL rule book, but owners are going to vote on a major one next week at the annual meetings in New Orleans.

In order to cut back on the number of injuries on the kickoff, the competition committee is recommending that the kickoff be moved up from the 30- to the 35-yard line and that defenders can only line up within five yards of the ball. Before, many defenders lined up so they had a 15-yard head start. Since the field is shortened, the other side of the proposal is the touchback is brought out to the 25-yard line instead of the 20.

Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, said in a conference call that he expects the number of touchbacks to rise, but not by a significant amount.

Also on the same call, NFL vice president Ray Anderson said the NFL is going to continue to make illegal hits a point of emphasis and repeat offenders and flagrant hits would draw suspensions for the first time.

Ochocinco

OCHO TO GET KICKS: Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocino has told the web site for the Major Soccer League's Sporting Kansas City that the NFL lockout is allowing him to follow his childhood dream of playing in the MLS.

"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said on the site. “We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer, and he did play a lot when he was younger. We're excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our team."

The site says The Ocho is going to have a four-day tryout starting Tuesday, usually about the time the Bengals begin their offseason workouts. Ochocinco has numerous friends in pro soccer and has been seen in the locker room wearing the various jerseys of New York Red Bulls Designated Player Thierry Henry, now playing for the New York Red Bulls, and traveled overseas to meet the Real Madrid team right after this past NFL season.

The Ocho played soccer in high school in Miami and kicked for his football team. He delivered the winning extra point during a 2009 preseason game the Bengals beat the Patriots, 7-6, when kicker Shayne Graham got injured during the game and couldn't kick.