Chiefs' Dave Toub Fires Back at Trump's Criticism of NFL's New Kickoff Rule: 'He Doesn't Even Know What He's Looking At'

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Kansas City Chiefs' special teams coordinator Dave Toub has responded sharply to President Donald Trump's criticism of the NFL's new kickoff rule. In an interview posted by MySportsUpdate on X, Toub called Trump's views 'silly' and 'misinformed,' saying, 'He doesn't even know what he's looking at. He has no idea what's going on.' Trump had labeled the new format as 'sissy football' and 'bad for America.' The NFL introduced the new kickoff rule in the 2024 season, which aims to reduce high-speed collisions and promote more returns by repositioning players on the field. According to The Washington Post, kickoff return rates have increased to 76.9% through Week 2 of 2025, up from 32.8% the previous year. Trump, who has been vocal about his dislike for the change, expressed his concerns on Truth Social, calling the format 'ridiculous' and complaining that it doesn't align with traditional football values. On The Pat McAfee Show, he told McAfee that the rule 'hurts the game' and 'hurts the pageantry.' However, players and coaches, including Toub, believe the new rule is more functional than aesthetic. The NFL has reported a decrease in injury rates and an increase in return attempts, which they see as proof of its effectiveness. Toub's own unit at the Kansas City Chiefs has been adjusting to the new format, with a focus on return specialists and coached execution. The debate over the new kickoff rule has sparked a heated discussion among football fans and experts. While Trump remains a vocal critic, others believe the rule is a step in the right direction for player safety and game excitement.