Up in The Rafters
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Up in The Rafters
What Is a Touchback in Football? I Tracked 28,981 NFL Kickoffs
A touchback is when the ball dies in a team's own end zone after the other team sent it there. No points, just a fresh possession, usually at the 20 and at the 35 on most NFL kickoffs. Here's where the ball goes in every situation, why the spot keeps moving, and what 28,981 NFL kickoffs show.
About Up in The Rafters
Up in The Rafters is an independent sports publication built by lifelong fans who care about context as much as headlines. We cover MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, golf, and more with a mix of data-backed analysis, historical perspective, and firsthand fan insight. Our goal is simple: publish clear explainers, sharp commentary, and useful reporting that helps readers understand the game beyond the final score.
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