Overview
- On Veterans Day, President Trump phoned into ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show and called the new kickoff format “demeaning,” saying he “hates” it.
- He said he raised his objections directly with Commissioner Roger Goodell, urged the NFL to restore the old kickoff, and warned that college football should not adopt the change.
- Under the Dynamic Kickoff, coverage players except the kicker line up at the receiving 40 and cannot move until the ball is touched or hits the ground in the landing zone, with certain touchbacks placed at the 35 or 40.
- NFL data through Week 8 of 2025 shows roughly 1,150 kickoffs with a 77.5% return rate, touchbacks down to 17%, and average returns near 25.2 yards.
- The NFL cites safety gains from the 2024 rollout, including a 43% drop in concussion rate from recent seasons and more returns, with no indication the rule will be reversed.