The other difference is that NFL coverage units are very good at keeping their lanes of pursuit to the ball. Most players are fast so the best way to get yardage is to attack straight upfield. Sideline returns are a good change up, but NFL speed seldom allows for these types of plays to develop. Schwarz, Butte, MT Any player can fair catch a kickoff that is kicked immediately in the air. Therefore, since the ball was kicked on the ground, then bounced high in the air, it is anybody's ball from that point.
College rules differ from professional rules in kicking and fair catching.
I guess the pros want the rules to give an advantage to the team trying to catch up in the game. That play was very important in the game, and caused us to take extra time this past week to practice so that it doesn't happen again. I am one of the fastest players on the Bears. It is difficult to say who is THE fastest player unless we all lined up in a race under ideal conditions with a stopwatch. Some players are quicker from zero to twenty yards, while others have better acceleration down the field.