Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has issued a sharp rebuttal to former US President Donald Trump's condemnation of the NFL's revised kickoff rules, bluntly stating the critic has 'no idea what he's looking at'.
Trump's 'Demeaning' Claim Meets Coaching Reality
The political firebrand waded into American football territory during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, labelling the league's new kickoff procedures as 'terrible' and 'demeaning'. Trump argued the change 'hurts the pageantry' of the game and claimed it was no safer for players, despite having shared his views with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
However, Dave Toub, the Chiefs' veteran assistant head coach, was quick to dismiss the assessment. 'He doesn't even know what he's looking at. He has no idea what's going on with the kickoff rule,' Toub stated, adding a pointed, 'Take that for what it's worth. I hope he hears it.'
Data-Driven Decision Shows Safety Success
The NFL's rule change, implemented over consecutive offseasons, was designed with a dual purpose: to enhance player safety and increase the number of kickoffs during games. The primary focus was on reducing head injuries, a significant risk on special teams plays.
The league's own data provides a powerful counter-argument to Trump's safety claims. In the first year of the 'dynamic kickoff' format, the NFL documented a staggering 43% reduction in concussions on kickoff plays, a statistic that underscores the rule's effectiveness.
Toub, 63, has been a fixture with the Chiefs for 13 seasons and is widely respected for his special teams expertise. The situation presents an interesting dynamic with one of his own players, kicker Harrison Butker, being a vocal Trump supporter. Butker, who attended a White House event last July, has developed into one of the franchise's leading scorers under Toub's guidance.
