Trump Attacks NFL’s Kickoff Change

President Donald Trump has once again ignited controversy, this time over a new NFL rule. On Truth Social, Trump criticized the league’s “dynamic kickoff rule,” calling it both unsafe and unattractive.

“How can they make such a big and sweeping change so easily and quickly? It’s at least as dangerous as the ‘normal’ kickoff, and looks like hell,” he wrote. “The ball is moving, and the players are not, the exact opposite of what football is all about.”

He ended his post with a striking declaration: “Sissy football is bad for America, and bad for the NFL!”

The NFL argues that its updated kickoff format is designed to improve safety and entertainment. The rule moves kickoffs to the 35-yard line instead of the 30 and places players closer together to reduce high-speed collisions. Moreover, officials claim this will increase the number of returns, which could make games more exciting for fans.

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Why the Word “Sissy” Matters

Although the word “sissy” may seem old-fashioned to some, experts note that its meaning is not harmless. In fact, Trump’s use of the term reflects a long history of the word being deployed as an insult.

Deepak Sarma, inaugural distinguished scholar in the public humanities at Case Western Reserve University, explained the impact in an interview with HuffPost. According to Sarma, Trump’s statement is “reflective of [a] flourishing culture of toxic masculinity, where negative and simplistic gender stereotypes are being flaunted, encouraged and deployed.”

Furthermore, Sarma noted that the word “sissy” has historically been used to belittle men who do not conform to hypermasculine ideals. At the same time, it implicitly insults women by equating femininity with weakness or fragility. As a result, Trump’s choice of language reinforces harmful stereotypes on both fronts.

Trump’s Image and Masculinity Politics

Sarma also argued that Trump’s rhetoric, while designed to project strength, ironically exposes his vulnerabilities. “Trump’s comments are ironically intended to display his own invented and imagined hypermasculinity,” Sarma said. “Yet they draw attention to his cowardice, his controversies involving women, and his military deferments.”

Indeed, Trump never served in the military. Instead, during the Vietnam War, he received a medical deferment after a physician’s letter cited bone spurs in his heels. For critics, this history undermines the very toughness he tries to embody.

Nevertheless, much of Trump’s political base embraces this exaggerated display of aggression and dominance. Many supporters see his blunt, combative style as authentic. However, outside of that circle, Trump’s behavior is frequently mocked and parodied, particularly on the global stage.

Language, Power, and Social Media

Sarma connected Trump’s use of “sissy” to a broader cultural shift online. He warned that derogatory language is becoming more common on social media, especially when high-profile figures normalize its use.

“As [George] Orwell so perfectly portrayed in 1984, controlling discourse has significant consequences and can normalize abuse, injustice, and discrimination,” Sarma explained.

Therefore, when Trump uses such terms publicly, the effect goes beyond a single post. It signals to millions of followers that disparaging language is acceptable, even in mainstream debates about sports or culture. Sarma described this trend as both “disturbing” and “mortifying.”

Sports, Culture, and Toxic Masculinity

The NFL maintains that its rule change is about player safety and game quality. However, Trump framed the issue through the lens of toughness and masculinity, casting the league as “soft” and un-American.

This rhetoric fits into a broader pattern. For years, Trump has tied his political image to ideas of strength, dominance, and traditional masculinity. Consequently, even debates over sports rules become culture war flashpoints in his messaging.

Experts caution that this framing is dangerous. When toughness is elevated above safety, and when derogatory language becomes normalized, harmful gender stereotypes spread far beyond politics. Moreover, the influence of Trump’s platform ensures that millions see these ideas reinforced daily.