Trump claims it's 'beginning of the end' for NFL as he criticizes major kickoff change

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president Donald Trump denounced a change in the kickoff rules of the National Football League (NFL) in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, September 6, reported Newsweek.

"I can’t believe the NFL is effectively getting rid of the always exciting Kick Off Return," stated the GOP nominee. "Such an exciting part of Football. What are they doing? BEGINNING OF THE END!"

According to the publication, Trump has a history of slamming the league and some of the players. He reportedly lashed out against players who showed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. In 1986, Trump also spearheaded a lawsuit against the NFL as a team owner in a rival United States Football League, which has since been defunct.

What is the new kickoff rule in the NFL?

The NFL introduced new 'dynamic kickoff' rules for the 2024 season, claiming it would help 'promote more kickoff returns' and reduce 'injury rates on kickoffs'.

The new rules stipulate that the kicking team lines up on the receiving team's 40-yard line and is not allowed to move until the football hits the ground, the end zone, or a player in the 'landing zone', which is an area between the 20- and 30-yard lines.

Surprise onside kicks are prohibited. The play can be used only by the team trailing in the fourth quarter if they announce it in advance.

Two players are present in the landing zone. The rest of the team lines up between its own 30- and 35-yard lines in the 'setup zone', and must return any ball that lands in the landing zone unless it bounces into the end zone.

The changes discourage touchbacks. If the kicking team kicks the ball directly into the end zone, it is placed at the 30-yard line. In case it fails to reach the landing zone or is kicked out of bounds, the ball is placed at the 40-yard line.

Internet claims NFL is a 'lost cause'

Netizens, especially MAGA supporters, reacting to the news on the social media platform X lamented about the change in rules. The following tweets demonstrate the prevalent take.

"NFL has gotten too soft. All the rule changes have made it less exciting IMO," wrote a user.

"Yes we all agree. NFL is a lost cause," shared another.

"It’s true. The NFL is slowly disintegrating due to liberals," jibed one user.

"Agreed 100% it’s terrible," noted someone else.

"The new kickoff rules suck!" echoed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.