President-elect Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism of the NFL’s new kickoff rule, labeling it as a “ridiculous” decision that detracts from the excitement of football.

Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump hasn’t shied away from taking shots at the rule change, even making it a point of discussion in media appearances and social media posts, as reported by Fox News.

Trump’s latest commentary came after he applauded San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa for what seemed to be a celebratory nod to the former president following a major sack.

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In a post on Truth Social, Trump did not mince words: “The NFL should get rid of the ridiculous new Kickoff Rule!” This is not his first time criticizing the rule; he expressed his distaste during a conversation on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with sportscaster Jim Gray and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

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“I watch football now, and that kickoff looks weird to me,” Trump remarked before Election Day. He questioned the NFL’s reasoning for the change, arguing it doesn’t improve safety and only diminishes the game. “Why is it safer? They’re still crashing,” he stated, expressing doubt about the rule’s effectiveness.

Trump brought up his grievances again when speaking with OutKick’s Clay Travis during the Alabama-Georgia college football game, contrasting college football’s kickoffs with the NFL’s modified approach.

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He noted, “Big time college football is as big as the NFL. I don’t know what they’re doing with the kickoff return in the NFL… it looks so bad.” Trump suggested that while football carries inherent risks, the thrill of the game shouldn’t be compromised by excessive regulations. “It’s football. I think they made a terrible mistake in doing that.”

This issue isn’t new for Trump; he previously took to Truth Social in early September, proclaiming, “I can’t believe the NFL is effectively getting rid of the always exciting Kick Off Return. Such an exciting part of football. What are they doing? BEGINNING OF THE END!”

Trump’s comments echo sentiments of traditional football fans who see the kickoff as an essential element of the sport’s dynamic nature.

With the NFL currently testing this new rule, opinions remain split. But Trump’s vocal opposition is likely to resonate with fans who believe the league should preserve football’s classic, hard-hitting gameplay.

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