In a move that blended sports commentary with political flair, former President Donald Trump made waves during a recent appearance on a popular college football podcast. While the conversation was meant to focus on the collegiate game, Trump quickly pivoted to a familiar target: the NFL's revamped kickoff rule, which he lambasted in no uncertain terms.
A Presidential Pivot to the Pros
Joining host Josh Pate of On3 and ESPN, Trump was asked about the state of college football. His initial response was brief, but he swiftly steered the discussion toward the professional league's recent changes. "It's too bad. I hate to see it," he remarked, before launching into a detailed critique of the NFL's decision to modify the kickoff format, a rule he has publicly despised for some time.
Praise for a Rising Star
Amid his criticism, Trump did offer some positive football analysis, specifically highlighting the talent at the University of Georgia. He expressed particular admiration for Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton. "I like Georgia. I like this Georgia team," Trump said. "I like your quarterback, by the way. I like Gunner. He's going to be a great quarterback. I'm telling you, he's already a great quarterback, but he's only going to get better." This endorsement came despite a nod to South Carolina, a team that finished 4-8 last season.
The core of Trump's commentary, however, remained firmly fixed on his disdain for the NFL's rule change. He didn't hold back, labeling the adjusted kickoff—where players are largely stationary as the ball is kicked—as "sissy" football. "The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about," he argued, emphasizing his belief that the alteration undermines the sport's fundamental nature.
A Long-Standing Grudge
This isn't a new complaint from the former president. He has been vocal about his opposition since the rule was implemented. In a social media post from October 2024, referencing a Steelers-Jets game, he wrote, "I hated seeing what the NFL did with the kickoff return... When you have something that works, don't 'tinker' with it, you may end up with nothing!" His consistent message is one of traditionalism: if a system isn't broken, don't fix it.
Trump expanded on his critique, suggesting the change has broader implications. "'Sissy' football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!" he declared, framing the issue as one that impacts both the sport's integrity and national culture. His comments reflect a perspective that values the game's physical, fast-paced origins over what he perceives as a sanitized version.
The NFL Holds Its Ground
Despite the high-profile criticism, the NFL has shown no indication of reversing course. The league is standing by the modified kickoff rule for the 2026 season, believing it enhances player safety while maintaining an exciting element of the game. This sets up a classic clash between a powerful external critic and the league's internal decision-making process.
The episode highlights how sports often intersect with larger cultural and political conversations. Trump's foray into detailed sports rule criticism, combined with his player evaluation, showcases his continued engagement with football at multiple levels. While his views on the kickoff rule are uncompromising, his recognition of collegiate talent like Gunner Stockton adds a layer of genuine fan analysis to the mix.
For fans, the takeaway is a blend of football insight and provocative opinion. Whether one agrees with his assessment or not, Trump's comments ensure the debate over the NFL's kickoff rule will remain in the public eye, discussed not just in sports bars but in the wider arena of public discourse.
