[Paintrain]

At first glance, this idea seems idiotic because it's so far outside the realm of what we know football to be.

Thinking through this idea though, it's not as crazy as it may seem when you consider the nature of most coaches. For most of the game, a coach would not risk giving up that type of field position by going for it so they would probably punt it away. The percentages of teams retaining the ball is slim, probably at or lower than current onside kick success rates. But this also gives an opportunity for teams to try to get an additional offensive possession at the end of games (like an onside kick) if they need to as opposed to eliminating the kickoff altogether and killing that option.

As for the difference between a kickoff and a punt, on a kickoff, 10 players are spread across the field, with a running start against basically retreating targets. On a punt there is stationary contact at the line and controlled contact all the way down the field. Huge difference.