President Donald Trump has been [extremely critical](https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2025/09/donald-trump-demands-nfl-change-ridiculous-rule.html) of the NFL’s new kickoff rules and demanded earlier this season that they be changed back.
“The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. How can they make such a big and sweeping change so easily and quickly,” Donald Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this season. “It’s at least as dangerous as the ‘normal’ kickoff, and looks like hell.
“‘Sissy’ football is bad for America and bad for the NFL! Who comes up with these ridiculous ideas?”
Starting in 2024 and continuing in 2025, kickoff teams, other than the kicker, line up at the opponent‘s 40-yard line, while the receiving team, other than the two returners, line up at their own 35.
The players lined up at the 40 and 35 are not allowed to move until the ball is touched by the returner.
In addition, beginning this season, a touchback gives the offense the ball at the 35-yard line. Because of that, kickoff teams are trying to avoid surrendering a touchback.
Kansas City Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub was recently asked about Trump’s comments and called out the president in his response.
“He doesn’t even know what he’s looking at,” [Dave Toub said](https://x.com/SportsRadio810/status/1991594755432882237?s=20). “He has no idea what’s going on with the kickoff rule. So take that for what it’s worth. I hope he hears it.”
Toub made it pretty clear that he doesn’t believe Donald Trump knows what he’s talking about in regards to the NFL, or at least NFL kickoffs.