President Donald Trump blasts 'sissy' NFL kickoff rule change: 'Bad for America'

Football fans are still adjusting to the NFL‘s new kickoff rules, and President Donald Trump isn’t excluded. On Monday, Trump blasted the NFL’s rules after a return-gone-wrong cost the Pittsburgh Steelers a controversial touchdown this weekend.

“The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous looking new Kickoff Rule,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “How can they make such a big and sweeping change so easily and quickly. It’s at least as dangerous as the ‘normal’ kickoff, and looks like hell.

“The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about. ‘Sissy’ football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL! Who comes up with these ridiculous ideas? It’s like wanting to ‘roll back’ the golf ball so it doesn’t go (nearly!) as far. Fortunately, college football will remain the same, hopefully forever!!”

In 2024, the NFL implemented a new kickoff system in hopes to increase the amount of kickoff returns and minimize the number of high-speed collisions. Under the new rules, at least nine members of the returning team lines up between their 30- and 35-yard lines.

All players, except the kicker and returners, are prohibited from moving before the ball hits the ground or touches a player within the landing zone. If a touchback occurs, the receiving team begins their drive at the 35-yard line.

College football hasn’t added this new kickoff system into its game yet. The NFL’s new kickoff rules not only confuse fans, but players too.

After kicking in a field goal against the Steelers on Sunday, the Seahawks kicked off to Pittsburgh. Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson initially attempted to field the return, but ultimately allowed the ball to bounce over his head and into the end zone.

Johnson believed the play would be called dead. Instead, Seahawks players rushed past him and recovered the ball for a touchdown, giving Seattle a 24-14 lead. Under the new rules, any ball that lands in the landing zone between the end zone and the 20-yard line, must either be returned or downed by the receiving team.

The Steelers were unable to bounce back from the colossal mistake and fell 31-17. It’s unclear if the ball touched Johnson when he attempted to field the kickoff. If had made contact with the ball, it would’ve been a muffed return. After the game, Johnson owned up to the mistake.

“I just got to get better every day,” Johnson said. “That’s all. That’s all I have to say about this. … I just got to just go in there every day now, and just work my hardest, now even more with a chip on my shoulder.”