# Rules allow 12th player to hold ball on kickoffs without tee

> NFL rules permit 12th player to hold ball on kickoffs without tee regardless of weather.
- Title: Rules allow 12th player to hold ball on kickoffs without tee
- Summary: NFL rules permit 12th player to hold ball on kickoffs without tee regardless of weather. NFL rules allow teams to use a 12th player to hold the ball on…
- Keywords: nfl, eagles, bears, special-teams, rules, kickoff, sports, allow, 12th, player, hold, ball
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/rules-permit-12th-player-to-hold-ball-on-kickoffs-without-tee-regardless-of-weather
- Published: 2026-09-26T22:38:22.768+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, eagles, bears, special-teams, rules, kickoff, sports
## Rules permit 12th player to hold ball on kickoffs
The nfl rules allow teams to use a 12th player to hold the ball on kickoffs without a tee regardless of weather conditions.
## Eagles coach confirms rule compliance
Eagles coach nick siriani stated everything they do is within the rules of the game to give the best chance to win each game.

> Obviously, with that, everything we’re doing is within the rules of the game, and we’ll continue to do the things that we need to do that give us the best chance to win each and every game
## Bears special-teams coordinator opposes rule use
Bears special-teams coordinator richard hightower complained that eagles’ use of a 12th man without a tee violates rule intent.
## League confirms rule flexibility
A league spokesperson confirmed teams are free to use a 12th man for kickoffs with or without a tee.
## Rule change unlikely this season
Unless the rules change, which rarely happens during a season, teams can use the 12th man to hold the ball on kickoffs without a tee.
## Key takeaway

NFL rules allow teams to use a 12th player to hold the ball on kickoffs without a tee, regardless of weather conditions.