Donald Trump has slammed the NFL’s new kickoff rule, claiming it signals the ‘beginning of the end’ for the league.
The NFL 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 incentivize teams to run the ball back – rather than call a fair catch. But Trump voiced his opposition on social media on Friday, when the Eagles faced the Packers in Brazil.
The former President wrote on his platform Truth Social: ‘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!’
Donald Trump said the NFL’s new kickoff rule signals the ‘beginning of the end’ for the league
The NFL has introduced a new ‘dynamic’ kickoff to increase return rates and reduce injuries
The change sees players from the kicking team now line up on the opposition 40-yard line – rather than behind the kicker.
They cannot move until the ball hits the ground or a player in the landing zone or the end zone.
The designated landing zone sits between the receiving team’s goal line and its 20-yard line. Any kick that lands inside 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 on a remarkable debut for his hometown team.
For the first time in 13 seasons there was no Kelce at center for the Eagles. Although there were some teething problems on the offensive line, they claimed a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil.
In a huge scare for the Packers, however, franchise quarterback Jordan Love hobbled off with six seconds to go with a lower leg injury. Replays appeared to show his knee pop under the weight of tackle.
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