Jerry, I think this answers your question:
"A kickoff is illegal unless it travels 10 yards OR is touched by the receiving team. Once the ball is touched by the receiving team or has gone 10 yards, it is a free ball. Receivers may recover and advance. Kicking team may recover but NOT advance UNLESS receiver had possession and lost the ball."
You can check out the kickoff rules in the NFL rulebook here:
http://www.nfl.com/rulebook/kickoffHope it helps!
