NFL changes extra-point kicks to longer distance, allows defense to score on turnover

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The NFL is moving back extra-point kicks and allowing defenses to score on 2-point conversion turnovers.

The owners on Tuesday approved the competition committee's proposal to snap the ball from the 15-yard line on PATs to make them more challenging. That will make them 33-yard kicks.

In recent seasons, kickers made more than 99 percent of the kicks with the ball snapped from the 2.

The approved proposal places the 2-point conversion at the 2, and allows the defense to return a turnover to the other end zone for the two points, similar to the college rule. The defense can also score two points by returning a botched kick.

The vote was 30-2. Washington and Oakland voted no. The rule change will be reviewed after one year.

New England and Philadelphia also made suggestions on changing the extra point, but the owners went with the powerful committee's recommendation.

The changes will take effect this coming 2015 season.