In recent months, Donald Trump's name has become a popular topic within NFL circles. He became the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. And recently joined the commentary team and provided some play-by-play coverage of the Washington Commanders' recent game against the Detroit Lions.
The latest talk surrounding Trump and football is that he's not impressed with the NFL's new dynamic kickoff rules. To be fair, they certainly seem more complicated now that the changes have been implemented, with the most prominent adjustment being that both teams now line up on the receiving side of the field, with neither squad allowed to move until the football has been caught by the receiving team.
"I do have to say, I'll probably get myself in a little trouble for this; I hate the new kickoff in football," Trump said. "I think it's so terrible, I think it's so demeaning, and I think it hurts the game. It hurts the pageantry."
Of course, not everyone will want to hear what Trump has to say. And that was certainly the case for Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub, who recently shut down the media when asked about Trump's recent comments.
"He doesn't even know what he's looking at," Toub said. "He has no idea what's going on. Take that for what it's worth. And I hope he hears it."
To be fair, the new rules will take time for everyone to appreciate. Change is always met with resistance. Toub, who is around the sport every day, may already be a big fan of the rule changes and doesn't want to add to the discourse surrounding the NFL's willingness to evolve.
Donald Trump Reportedly Wants the New Washington Commanders Stadium To Be Named After Him
The Washington Commanders are awaiting the completion of a new $3.7 billion stadium. The team's new home will reportedly seat 65,000 fans once completed. It will be one of the best venues in all of the NFL.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump had a hand in making the new stadium a reality for the Commanders. As such, there are rumblings that he may want the new venue to be named after him.
"That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible," Leavitt said.
However, Trump may not get his wish. According to sources within the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service, who spoke with ESPN, the Commanders don't have the authority to name the team on their own.
"The team doesn't have the authority. They can't name the stadium ... on their own," The source told ESPN. "The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved."
Regardless of whether the new stadium is named after Trump, it's clear he's taking a strong interest in football. Nevertheless, It certainly seemed like Toub wasn't interested in hearing what the president had to say.
