Trump isn’t happy about this new change.
President Donald Trump is taking direct aim at the NFL, blasting the league’s controversial new kickoff rule and warning that it’s ruining America’s favorite sport.
The NFL rolled out its new “dynamic kickoff rule” at the start of the 2024 season, claiming it was designed to improve player safety. But Trump isn’t buying it — and neither are millions of football fans who say the league is destroying the tradition and excitement that make football great.
Trump: NFL Is Turning Into ‘Sissy Football’
In a fiery Truth Social post, President Trump didn’t hold back.
“The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous new kickoff rule,” Trump declared. “How can they make such a sweeping change so easily and so quickly? It’s just as dangerous as the regular kickoff — maybe even more so — and it looks terrible. The players stand still while the ball is moving. It’s the exact opposite of what football is supposed to be!”
The new rule forces kickoffs to land between the end zone and the 20-yard line, with players lined up between the 30- and 40-yard lines, unable to move until the ball is caught or downed.
Trump slammed the move as part of a disturbing trend:
“‘Sissy football’ is bad for America and bad for the NFL. Who comes up with these crazy ideas? It’s like people who want to roll back golf balls so they don’t go as far. Thankfully, college football will stay the same — hopefully forever!”
Fans and Players Are Confused — and Angry
While the league insists the change will reduce injuries, fans have been left frustrated and confused.
In Week 1, teams returned 75.6% of kickoffs, the highest return rate since 2010. But not everyone adapted smoothly. Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson made a game-changing blunder when he let the ball bounce into the end zone. The Seattle Seahawks quickly recovered, sealing their victory in a dramatic finish.
The embarrassing play highlighted the chaos and confusion surrounding the rule, sparking even more backlash from fans who say the league has gone soft.
Trump Defends Tradition and Hard-Hitting Football
For Trump and countless Americans, this fight isn’t just about sports — it’s about preserving tradition.
Football has always been a tough, hard-hitting game, a symbol of strength, competition, and American grit. Many see the NFL’s changes as a dangerous slide toward political correctness and corporate decision-making that ignores the voices of fans.
Trump’s message resonates deeply with older, conservative football fans who grew up watching legends like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Brett Favre.
“Football should be about toughness, excitement, and tradition — not watered-down rules that ruin the game,” Trump said.
The Bigger Picture: NFL Alienating Its Base
The NFL has already faced years of controversy over kneeling protests, political messaging, and declining ratings. This latest rule change may push even more loyal viewers away.
Many conservatives see this as yet another example of corporate elites ignoring everyday Americans — much like what’s happening in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s strong stance positions him as a defender of traditional American values, both on and off the field.
Bottom Line
President Trump’s attack on the NFL’s kickoff rule has sparked a major national debate.
As Week 2 approaches, all eyes will be on the league — and on Trump — to see whether fan backlash will force the NFL to reconsider its path.
One thing is certain:
Football fans who love hard-hitting, classic American football have found their champion in Donald Trump.
