I couldn't find any good history on the rule, but one way to look at it, which seems consistent with other rules is that any non-possession ball, be it a fumble, punt, or KO, that ultimately goes out of the defenders (or receivers) own end zone, becomes the automatic possession of the defending team. That's the only way I can make logistical sense of it. It's consistent with other rules, the NFL has revisited the rule ( I think in 2015) and decided to keep it, and it's been around for many, many years ( I sure remember it as a kid in the 1960's).
NewMexicoRam
