President Donald Trump has long been a football fan, but he is no fan of the changes made to NFL kickoffs. He’s calling the new kickoff style “sissy” football.
Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday morning, “The NFL has to get rid of that ridiculous looking new Kickoff Rule. How can they make such a big and sweeping change so easily and quickly. It’s at least as dangerous as the ‘normal’ kickoff, and looks like hell. The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about. ‘Sissy’ football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL! Who comes up with these ridiculous ideas?”
Trump likened the change to the PGA Tour wanting to “roll back” or put limits on the golf balls that the pros use, so it doesn’t go as far. He also praised college football for keeping the traditional kickoff style.
What impact has the kickoff rule change had?
A seemingly minor NFL rule change over the summer has had a big impact on the field after one week of play. Moving touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35 has resulted in a roughly 45% increase in kickoff returns compared to week one a year ago.
The “dynamic kickoff” formation was implemented in 2024 on a one-year trial basis to improve player safety and help produce more returns. It was successful on both counts. Concussions on kickoffs were down 43% from 2023, according to the NFL. There were also 332 more kickoff returns in 2024, which improved the return rate to 33% overall.
The league made the formation permanent this summer and added another boost. With touchbacks now starting at the 35-yard line, teams are discouraged from kicking the ball into the end zone. Why? Over the past five years, teams have scored touchdowns 14% more often with a 5-yard boost to their starting field position.
As such, the return rate in week one shot up to just over 70%, a 45% increase from week one a year ago. There were no returns for touchdowns in the first week of play, but Antonio Gibson of the New England Patriots broke a 90-yarder for a score against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. It was the go-ahead touchdown in a 30-27 win. He gave himself a motivational pep talk before the ball was kicked.
“I need to start talking to myself a little bit more,” Gibson said. “I was talking to myself before the play, ‘Make a play right here, A.G.’ I asked and received. I know I came to a complete stop at a point, and then I broke out to the outside, and then after that it was just a track meet.”
How are teams adjusting?
More returns mean more adjustments by coaches and players, especially for rookies coming from the college ranks, where the new formations are not used. Those younger players often play a big role on special teams. Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh said during training camp that those players need a few weeks to get adjusted to the new rules and set up.
“It takes a while to realize what that norm is, if the ball is caught here, it’s going to end up here,” Harbaugh said. “This is where it’s going to affect the decisions I’m making as a blocker or as a cover guy. It’s a little abstract, but you’re just not used to it, so I think everyone is getting a feel for the timing, the angles and the spacing.”
A potential increase in injuries is something to watch should the kickoff return rate stay up between 60% and 70%. NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller told reporters at the league meetings in December that the injury rate on kickoffs had dropped to the point that it resembled the rate on plays from scrimmage.
The Eagles and Cowboys had a long stoppage in the season opener after linebacker and special teams ace Ben VanSumeren suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff. He will miss the season.
For now, it seems, there’s a real reason to have a top-notch return man on the roster and to place more of an emphasis on coaching and playing better special teams, despite the President’s feelings on the issue.
