Rule changes for kickoff return formations have effectively neutered the return game calculus. Explosive returns still happen occasionally, but are much less common. You even see a high number of pro teams fair catching kickoffs now. The stats don’t really support trying to return them, particularly from the end zone. The numbers likely look different for kicks that land in the field of play, but I can’t find any articles that summarize the data the way that this one does for kickoff returns from the end zone: https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2019/return-or-not-return It’s understandable to want to have a dynamic return game, but you need a singular talent and a bit of good fortune to make it happen. Once you weigh in the downside risk (e.g., fumbles and poor field position) there is a strong argument for just fair catching the ball. That is, of course, assuming you don’t drop said fair catch.