Donald Trump doubles down on criticism against NFL's 'weird, dangerous' rule ahead of Super Bowl 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump will be at this Sunday's Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The President announced the news on social media.
In his announcement, he also gave his take on the NFL's new kickoff rule, which requires all players on the kicking team to be lined up with one foot on the opposition's 40-yard line. At least nine players on the returning team must line up between their own 30 and 35-yard line, with two returners allowed inside the 20.
The NFL tweaked the rules with the mission to limit injuries and create more return opportunities for return specialists. However, Trump, like many others, isn't a fan.
He said:
"Two great quarterbacks in this game. Also, an unbelievable running back, and the absolute best tight end in the football (Ever!). Incredible coaching! If they would only get rid of that really weird looking new Kickoff 'deal,' which actually makes football more dangerous, they would be doing everybody, especially the fans, a big favor.
"ANYWAY, IT WILL BE A GREAT GAME!!! I'll be doing the interview, before the game at 3:00 P.M. There hasn't been one in four years (Gee, I wonder why?)."
Trump had previously criticized the rule change, describing it as "ridiculous".
The NFL also tweaked the onside kickoff format. Teams must announce when they are going for onside kicks, eliminating surprise attempts.
Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce talk about Donald Trump attending the Super Bowl
Reporters asked both Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce for their thoughts on Donald Trump attending the Chiefs' Super Bowl clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mahomes said he was looking forward to playing in front of the President:
“It's always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting President. Someone that is at the top position in our country ... It's cool to hear that he's seen me play football and respects the game that I play."
Kelce echoed Mahomes' statement:
"I think, you know, no matter who the President is, I know I’m excited because it’s the biggest game of my life, you know, and having the President there, you know, it’s the best country in the world. So, that’d be pretty cool."
This Sunday's Super Bowl is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII from two years ago, where the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35. The Chiefs are listed as 1.5-point favorites, according to ESPN.