Chiefs Coach Fires Back at Trump’s Kickoff Criticism, Says Former President ‘Doesn’t Get the Rule’
After former President Donald Trump criticized the NFL’s new kickoff structure, Kansas City Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub was outspoken this week. Toub, who has spent years building one of the league’s most disciplined special teams, said Trump’s comments were off and he hopes the message gets to him.
Toub was asked about Trump’s criticism of the NFL’s new “Dynamic Kickoff” rule at a Thursday press conference. The veteran coordinator spoke directly rather than avoiding the question.
Trump has “no idea” how the kickoff rule works, Toub claimed. So value that. I hope he hears.”
On a sports talk show earlier this month, Trump called the league’s revised kickoff system “terrible,” “demeaning,” and damaging to the sport’s traditional vibe. He said he told league executives these concerns and that the adjustment did not improve player safety.
The former president’s view contradicted the rule’s aim and many coaches and league officials’ approval of the design as a balanced safety measure.
The NFL implemented the “Dynamic Kickoff” to prevent high-speed accidents without eliminating kickoff returns. Kickers launch from the 35-yard line, but the coverage unit is five yards from the receiving team. Return teams must keep most players in a “setup zone,” preventing risky long-distance dashes.
The rule prevents mobility until the ball hits the ground or a receiver touches it. Depending on how the kick travels, field position can be the 20-, 35-, or 40-yard lines.
League executives have stressed that the structure maintains excitement while minimizing kickoff injuries, one of football’s most deadly plays for decades.
Trump briefly mentioned the Olympics and World Cup before calling the 2020 election “hanky panky” before returning to the NFL’s rules. Fans and sports analysts wondered if he comprehended the league’s latest safety program after that sequence.
Toub’s uncommon public statement to Trump is one of the NFL’s strongest in recent years. Coaches rarely discuss politics, even though the league and the former president have argued during player protest arguments.
Toub seemed eager on setting the record straight this time, underscoring a growing rift between those adapting to professional football’s changing safety landscape and outside critics who perceive the adjustments as needless.
Early data may show if the new kickoff model meets NFL expectations. It’s evident that not everyone agrees on the league’s changing regulations, and some aren’t hesitant to say so.
Sources:
NFL press statements
ESPN interview recordings
Kansas City Chiefs media availability
