What is the NFL freekick rule?

Answer 1

A free kick is any kick not taken from scrimmage -- so in other words, anything but a placekick or a punt. Kickoffs, safety kicks, and fair catch kicks are all free kicks. The one thing they all have in common is that the kicking team is free to kick the ball without pressure from the opposing team.

Kickoffs and safety kicks (a kick from the 20-yard line following a safety) can be recovered by either team, as long as the ball travels at least 10 yards. If the receiving team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards, then either team can recover.

A fair catch kick happens after the receiving team fair-catches the ball. The team making the fair catch always has the option of putting the ball in play or attempting a free kick. If they attempt a kick, a holder spots the ball at the spot of the fair catch, and the kicker attempts to score a field goal. There's no snap from center, and the defending team has to stand at least 10 yards downfield (just like on a kickoff). This kick can't be taken onside. If the kick is unsuccessful, possession goes to the defending team at the spot of the kick. If it's successful, the kicking team kicks off from its own 30, just as it normally would.