Donald Trump officially began his second term as President of the United States yesterday, making waves with his strong opinions on an NFL rule he would like to change, even though it seems out of his jurisdiction. While Trump has a long-standing interest in football, he has often shared his preference for baseball, once joking about his brief stint as a tight end, saying he “didn’t like playing against guys who lifted weights all day and came from tough neighborhoods.” His ties to football go beyond his past experiences, however, as he once tried to buy the Buffalo Bills in 2014. Now back in the Oval Office, Trump appears ready to use his platform to push for changes in the NFL, specifically targeting the controversial kickoff rule implemented for this season.
The NFL Rule Trump Wants to Change
The NFL’s new “dynamic kickoff” rule, designed to prioritize player safety, did not sit well with Trump. The rule, which requires players to line up five yards apart and prohibits movement until the ball is received, was implemented to minimize high-speed collisions, which have historically been a major cause of injury in football. However, Trump has called the rule “terrible” and “ugly” and questioned whether it is in keeping with the spirit of the game. He criticized the league’s decision on the “Bussin with the Boys” podcast in October and at various rallies, saying, “It doesn’t look like football.” His comments have reignited the debate over whether the rule achieves its intended goals or detracts from the excitement of the sport.
The kickoff, once an exciting aspect of NFL games, has undergone significant changes over the years due to concerns about player safety. Historically, kickoffs have featured some of the most dangerous collisions in the game, leading to a steady decline in return plays as the league emphasized touchbacks. The new rules, inspired by similar changes in the XFL, aim to strike a balance by encouraging more returns while reducing the momentum players can build before contact. In the preseason, over 70% of kickoffs were returned under the new format, suggesting that it may be achieving the league’s goals of safety and action, but in the season there were undoubtedly, as has been the case in recent seasons, very few returns.
Trump’s push to eliminate the rule adds a political dimension to the ongoing discussion. While some fans appreciate the safety-first approach, others, including the president, see it as a step too far in changing the traditional dynamics of the game. As the 2024 season draws to a close, the NFL will evaluate whether the new policy achieves its goals or requires further adjustments. For now, Trump’s criticism has kept the kickoff rule debate in the headlines on how he could influence the league, but I really think he won’t have any influence.
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