Former President Donald Trump took aim at the NFL’s recent rule changes regarding kickoffs, calling it the “beginning of the end” for the league. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration, writing, “I can’t believe the NFL is effectively getting rid of the always exciting Kick Off Return. Such an exciting part of football. What are they doing? BEGINNING OF THE END!”
The NFL’s new kickoff rule has stirred controversy, with many fans, like Trump, lamenting the departure from the traditional, high-intensity nature of the play. The revamped kickoff format has not only altered the structure of how players line up but also introduced new zones that restrict movement until specific points in the play, leaving many long-time fans feeling disoriented.
Under the new rules, players on the kicking team must now line up on the opponent’s 40-yard line, a shift from the previous position at their own 35-yard line. These players are required to wait until the ball lands in a designated “landing zone” (between the receiving team’s 20-yard line and the goal line) or touches the ground before moving. Similarly, the receiving team must line up at least nine players in a “setup zone,” a five-yard stretch between the 30- and 35-yard lines. Players on both sides must remain stationary until the ball has landed.
The NFL’s intention with these changes is to minimize injuries, as kickoffs have historically been one of the most dangerous plays due to the high-speed collisions involved. By restructuring the play, the league hopes to reduce injury risks while still encouraging returns, which have become rare under previous rules.
The NFL has made several modifications to kickoffs over the years to improve safety. In 2011, they moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line, increasing touchbacks and reducing returns. Further changes in 2016 and the introduction of fair catches anywhere on the field last season resulted in the lowest return rate in league history.
This latest rule change, inspired by the XFL’s kickoff format, aims to strike a balance between promoting player safety and reviving the excitement of the return. Ironically, the XFL merged with the USFL to form the UFL this year, which uses the traditional kickoff that the NFL has now moved away from.
