As the 2026 NFL season approaches, President Trump isn't backing down from his campaign for two major rule changes in the league. At 80 years old, the president has been a frequent critic of the NFL for years, attending high-profile games including the Super Bowl since taking office. But he's made it clear he wants to see the league make two specific adjustments: eliminate the revamped kickoff rule and restrict the number of games moved to streaming platforms.
Trump has been particularly vocal about the surge in games that require a subscription to watch. In a recent interview, he warned that the shift could alienate a large portion of the fanbase. "It's tough," Trump said. "You've got people that love football. They're great people. They don't make enough money to go and pay this. It's tough. And they could be killing the golden goose."
The president's concern echoes a broader debate about accessibility in sports. The NFL has increasingly embraced streaming deals, but Trump argues that this approach could backfire. "They have to be careful because, you know, others have tried this, and all of a sudden you don't have a sport anymore," he warned. "There's something very sad when they take football away from many, many people. Very sad. I don't like it." The league has publicly defended its streaming strategy, but Trump's comments have reignited the conversation.
On the kickoff front, Trump is equally adamant. The new rule, designed to improve player safety and encourage more returns, has drawn his ire. "I hate the kickoff in football. I think it's so terrible; I think it's so demeaning. I think it hurts the game and hurts the pageantry," he told Pat McAfee back in October. "I've told that to Roger Goodell. And I don't think it's any safer. I mean, you still have guys crashing into each other."
Trump elaborated on his disdain for the current format, saying, "The ball is in the air and nobody is moving. It's supposed to be when the ball is in the air, when the ball is played, you're supposed to be moving. The pageantry of the game is so badly hurt. The NFL, they do what they want to do. I don't think they'll change. I hope college football doesn't change, because the power of the kickoff was so beautiful."
While the president's streaming concerns have gained some traction among fans, his stance on the kickoff rule is a different story. NFL fans have largely pushed back, arguing that the change is a net positive for player health. "It's better for the long-term health of the players," one fan commented. Another added, "The kickoff rule change has been great. President Trump is wrong." A third simply stated, "He doesn't know what he's talking about with this one."
The debate highlights a growing divide between traditionalists and those prioritizing player safety. Trump's push comes at a time when the NFL is also facing scrutiny over its streaming strategy, with critics arguing that the league risks alienating casual fans. Whether the NFL will heed the president's call remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Trump isn't letting up.
As the 2026 season looms, the league will have to decide if it's willing to revisit these issues. For now, Trump's message is loud and clear: he wants the old kickoff back and more games on free TV. Fans may agree with him on one front, but on the other, they're digging in their heels.
