Former President Donald Trump has once again taken aim at the NFL’s leadership, publicly criticizing Commissioner Roger Goodell over the league’s newly implemented kickoff rule. His remarks highlight ongoing tension between the league’s drive for player safety and the traditionalist views of some fans.
Trump targeted Goodell in a post on Truth Social on September 15, 2025, writing:
“The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous looking new Kickoff Rule… ‘Sissy’ football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!”
The Rule at the Center of the Criticism
President Donald Trump became the first sitting POTUS to attend a regular season NFL game since 1978.
President Donald Trump became the first sitting POTUS to attend a regular season NFL game since 1978.
The rule change—commonly referred to as the “dynamic kickoff”—was introduced ahead of the 2024 season. Under this rule, kickers line up at the 35-yard line and the opposing team’s players are positioned closer than in previous formats. According to league data, the change yielded a 17 % decrease in concussions compared with the 2023 season.
The league has defended the update, noting that while traditionalists may dislike the look or feel of the play, the safety metrics show it’s working. For example, the NFL reported that “returns increased 57 % in the regular season and there were 7 kickoffs returned for touchdowns, the most since 2021.” PolitiFact
Donald Trump’s Take and Goodell’s Response
In his post, Trump questioned the reasoning and effectiveness behind the change. He asserted that:
“The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about.” PolitiFact
While Goodell has not issued a direct rebuttal to Trump’s remarks, the league continues to defend the kickoff rule as part of its broader commitment to player safety—a position outlined in the league’s public commentary on diversity and safety programs.
Clash of Philosophies: Safety vs. Tradition
At its core, the dispute underscores a larger divide in the NFL: the push for making the game safer and more inclusive versus the resistance from fans and figures who fear the sport is losing its rugged, visceral essence. Trump’s use of the phrase “sissy football” reflects that latter viewpoint—viewing the rule change as a dilution of the game’s physicality.
Conversely, Goodell has emphasized that the league’s modifications—including the kickoff rule and expanded diversity initiatives—are not merely cosmetic but foundational to the sport’s future. In February 2025, Goodell stated:
“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League and we’re going to continue those efforts.”
What It Means for the NFL and Its Fans
For the league, the Trump-Goodell spat illustrates the challenge of balancing modernization with tradition. The NFL among its fans is caught between those applauding the commitment to safety and progress, and those lamenting what they see as a loss of football’s raw appeal.
From a marketing and public relations standpoint, criticism from a high-profile figure like Trump can generate headlines—but it also might energize segments of the fan base that are uneasy with changes underway. Meanwhile, the NFL must continue building its narrative around evolving the game while honoring its history.
Looking Ahead: Are More Changes Coming?
The kickoff rule is likely just the beginning. As discussions continue around tackling, player health, and game mechanics, the league will remain under pressure—from inside and outside—to justify each rule change both statistically and culturally. Trump’s high-profile critique puts additional media spotlight on the process.
For Goodell and the NFL leadership, maintaining credibility means transparent data, consistent messaging, and accommodating fans who feel alienated by rapid changes. Whether Trump’s opposition will influence policy is uncertain—but what is clear is that the debate he’s stirring isn’t going away.
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