Donald Trump has slammed the NFL’s new kickoff rule, saying it signals the “beginning of the end” for the league.
The NFL has introduced a new “dynamic” kickoff for the 2024 season in a bid to reduce the number of high-speed collisions amid an “unacceptable injury rate.”
The change was also designed to encourage teams to run the ball backwards, rather than calling a fair catch. But Trump voiced his opposition on social media Friday, when the Eagles faced the Packers in Brazil.
The former president wrote on his Truth Social platform: ‘I can’t believe the NFL is effectively eliminating the always exciting Kick Off Return.
“What an exciting part of football. What are they doing? THE BEGINNING OF THE END!”
Donald Trump said the NFL’s new start rule signals the “beginning of the end” of the league
The NFL has introduced a new “dynamic” kickoff to increase return rates and reduce injuries
The change causes players on the kicking team to now line up on the opposing team’s 40-yard line, rather than behind the kicker.
They cannot move until the ball touches the ground or a player in the landing zone or end zone.
The designated landing zone is located between the receiving team’s goal line and its 20-yard line. Any kick that lands within this area must be returned.
On Friday night, the Philadelphia Eagles began life without Jason Kelce with a win thanks to Saquon Barkley’s three touchdowns in a remarkable debut for his hometown team.
For the first time in 13 seasons, Kelce was not under center for the Eagles. Although there were some early issues on the offensive line, they managed to pull off a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil.
In a major scare for the Packers, however, franchise quarterback Jordan Love had to limp off with six seconds left due to a lower leg injury. Replays appeared to show his knee cracked under the weight of the tackle.