Trump Criticizes NFL Kickoff Rules on Veterans Day Call-in

NEW YORK, NY — President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with the National Football League’s kickoff rules during a call on Pat McAfee’s show on ESPN on Tuesday, coinciding with Veterans Day.

On the show, Trump highlighted his respect for veterans but quickly turned his focus to football, saying, “I hate the kickoff.” His comments drew a response from McAfee, who challenged Trump’s stance. Trump elaborated, describing the kickoff as “demeaning” and detrimental to the game’s excitement.

The former president criticized the current kickoff format, which was introduced last season to reduce injuries. “It hurts the game. It hurts the pageantry,” he said. Trump claimed he had voiced his concerns to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, asserting that the changes do not enhance safety and disrupt the flow of the game.

Under the revised rules, players must wait until the ball is caught or hits the ground before moving, which Trump believes diminishes the thrill of the kickoff. Previously, teams would line up at the 35-yard line, allowing for significant collisions as they raced to gain ground.

The NFL’s adjustments aim to prevent injuries during these high-speed moments, but critics, including Trump, feel the excitement is lost. CNN has reached out to the league for their response to Trump’s critiques of the so-called dynamic kickoff.