The kickoff in American football taking place from the 35-yard line is a rule that has been implemented to balance the safety of the players with the excitement of the game. This change was made to reduce the number of high-speed collisions during kickoffs, which were leading to a higher risk of injuries.
By moving the kickoff line to the 35-yard line, the hope was to increase the number of touchbacks (when the ball is kicked deep into the end zone and the receiving team chooses not to return it), thus reducing the number of kickoff returns. Touchbacks are considered safer plays because they eliminate the high-speed collisions that often occur during kickoff returns.
The change in kickoff rules aimed to address player safety concerns while still keeping the kickoff play as an integral part of the game. It’s worth noting that rules and regulations in the NFL can change over time based on ongoing discussions about player safety and the overall game experience.