(Crankers) The NFL hoped that its rule change would enhance safety on the field for its players and instill a new dose of excitement into the game, only to find controversy and criticism from none other than Donald Trump. He publicly slammed the rule and stirred a football/political controversy.
Trump became the first sitting president since Jimmy Carter in 1978 to attend a regular-season NFL game when he watched the Washington Commanders face the Detroit Lions. Two days after the game, he appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and sharply criticized the league’s updated kickoff format, which owners voted to make permanent this year.
The rule places the ball at the 35-yard line for the kickoff while requiring all players on the kicking team to remain at the 40 until the ball either touches the ground or is fielded by a returner inside the 20-yard zone. Additional guidelines determine outcomes when the ball fails to reach the landing zone, bounces in it, or enters the end zone.
“I think it’s terrible. I think it’s demeaning, and I think it hurts the game,” Trump said, adding that he had shared his concerns directly with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Trump argued that the adjustments do not substantially improve player safety because collisions still occur on the play.
The league has maintained that the new system reduces high-speed impacts while increasing the percentage of meaningful returns. Toub, who has coached special teams in Chicago and Kansas City for more than two decades and oversaw the unit during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, pushed back strongly against Trump’s assessment during the media availability.
“He doesn’t even know what he’s looking at. He has no idea what’s going on with the kickoff rule,” Toub said, raising his voice more than usual. “So take that for what it’s worth. And I really hope he hears every word.”
Whether or not the president’s critique will influence the league’s decisions in the future remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Toub’s comments have been heard, loud and clear – but nothing changes the fact that the Chiefs got destroyed by the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
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8 Comments
Trump really doesn’t hold back, does he? criticizing the NFL’s new kickoff rule like that. Though, gotta admit, change is tough in sports. Not sure if he’s got a point or just likes the sound of his own voice. What do you think, Caleb?
But don’t you think player safety should be a priority? The rule’s there for a reason.
safety? in football? since when lol
It’s fascinating to observe the intersection of politics and sports, as manifested in President Trump’s comments on the NFL’s decision on kickoffs. The rule aims to improve player safety, reflecting growing concerns about the long-term effects of concussions and other injuries. While Trump’s critique may not change the NFL’s stance, it certainly highlights the diverse opinions surrounding football’s evolution and its cultural implications.
Ha, Trump taking on the NFL is like my grandma criticizing my Madden skills. Just not the same game!
I’ve been on the field, and let me tell you, high-speed collisions are no joke. The NFL’s new rule might not be perfect, but it’s a step towards keeping players safe. Trump’s view seems a bit out of touch with the reality of the game.
Interesting point, Jen. In rugby, we’ve had to adapt to rule changes for safety too. Takes time, but worth it.
The irony of a political figure commenting on the supposed ‘deterioration’ of a sport is palpable. One wonders where such concern for the integrity of the game was when discussions of player health and safety were merely whispers in the wind. Perhaps it’s easier to critique from the sidelines than to engage with the nuanced realities of sport’s evolution.