Donald Trump blasts NFL kickoff rule as ‘sissy football’ in fiery Truth Social rant

Donald Trump hit out at the NFL on Monday, September 15, 2025. He went on Truth Social, his own site, and ripped into the league’s new kickoff rule. Trump called it “sissy football” and told the NFL to scrap it.

The rule was brought in before the 2024 season after team owners voted on it in New York. The NFL said it wanted to make kickoffs safer and bring back more returns. Donald Trump does not agree. He says it looks “ridiculous” and is not real football.

Donald Trump slams the NFL kickoff rule in Truth Social post

Trump’s post came early on Monday morning. He wrote, “The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous looking new Kickoff Rule.”He argued that the new play is as risky as the old one. He said it looks strange because, “the ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about.”

Donald Trump went further. He added, “‘Sissy’ football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!” He also compared the idea to rolling back golf balls so they fly shorter. Trump finished by pointing out that college football has not changed its kickoff. He said he hopes it never will.

NFL owners defend dynamic kickoff rule with record returns and fewer injuries

The NFL voted in the new kickoff in March 2024. Out of 32 owners, 29 agreed. The league said the goal was clear: fewer head injuries and more exciting returns.

The rule sets up a “landing zone” between the end zone and the 20-yard line. The kicker must aim the ball there. All other players line up five to ten yards apart between the 30 and 40 of the return team. They cannot move until the ball is touched or hits the ground.Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Takes Full Blame For Travis Kelce’s Huge Mistake In Chiefs Loss To EaglesIf the kick misses the landing zone or goes out of bounds, the return team gets the ball at its 40. Touchbacks first went to the 30, but in the 2025 offseason, owners pushed it to the 35.The changes brought quick results. In 2023, only 21.8% of kickoffs were returned. In 2024, that rose to 32.8%. This season, through Week 1 of 2025, the rate shot up to 75.6%. That is the highest in Week 1 since 2010.The NFL also said injuries fell. Concussions on kickoffs dropped by about 43%. For the league, that proves the new setup works, even if critics like Trump do not like how it looks.