Donald Trump Criticized By Chiefs Coach For Comments On NFL’s New Kickoff Rule

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub didn’t hold back when responding to Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of the NFL’s revamped “dynamic kickoff” rule. In a recent press conference, Toub fired back:

“He doesn’t even know what he’s looking at. He has no idea what’s going on with the kickoff rule … And I hope he hears it.”

Trump, during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, slammed the changes as “terrible” and “demeaning,” arguing they hurt the game’s tradition and pageantry. The new format requires all kicking team players (except the kicker) to line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line and prohibits them from moving until the ball lands or is touched — a controversial shift designed to improve player safety.

Toub, a coaching veteran, made it clear he believes Trump’s criticisms stem from a misunderstanding. “Take that for what it’s worth,” he said. According to Toub, the rule actually delivers on safety goals — and he’s not shy about defending that view.

The NFL introduced the dynamic kickoff with the goal of reducing high-speed collisions. Though Trump sees the changes as a threat to the sport’s soul, Toub argues they’re rooted in well-researched steps to protect players — and he’s making sure his pushback doesn’t go unheard.