Trump turns fire on NFL kickoff rule as culture clash spills into football
A familiar political figure enters a sports debate
According to a post published by Donald J. Trump on his Truth Social account, and reviewed directly from the platform, the former U.S. president criticized the NFL’s redesigned kickoff rule in the early hours of Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
Trump wrote that he can no longer watch the opening play of games under the new format, arguing that the change undermines what he described as the prestige and excitement that once defined the kickoff. His comments were quickly shared online and added fuel to ongoing discussions among fans about how much the sport should change.
Trump’s criticism of the kickoff format
In the Truth Social post, Trump questioned the authority behind the rule change and framed it as an unnecessary departure from tradition.
“I can’t watch the new NFL Kickoff. Like many others, I just turn my head. Who has the right to make such a change? So disparaging to the game!” he wrote.
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He contrasted the new approach with the previous version of the kickoff, which he described as “Big Time, Strong, Glamorous, and Exciting,” while calling the current rule “ridiculous” and arguing that it strips away “the prestige and power of the game.”
Warning directed beyond the NFL
Trump also extended his criticism beyond professional football, urging caution at the collegiate level.
“I hope College Football doesn’t follow suit!” he added, suggesting that similar rule changes could spread if not challenged.
The remarks reflect broader divisions within football culture, where safety driven adjustments, including kickoff modifications aimed at reducing high speed collisions, have sparked debate over whether the sport is losing some of its traditional appeal.
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A recurring theme in Trump’s public commentary
According to reporting based on Trump’s public statements, his critique fits a long standing pattern of commentary in which he weighs in on cultural issues tied to tradition, entertainment and national identity.
While the NFL has defended rule changes as necessary to protect players, Trump’s post underscores how even technical adjustments can become symbolic flashpoints in wider cultural conversations surrounding American sports.
Sources: Truth Social
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