Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams coordinator, Dave Taub, addressed recent comments from former President Trump regarding the NFL’s kickoff rules. As teams gear up for their game against the Indianapolis Colts, these rules, which became permanent this season, have faced criticism.
Trump, appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” expressed his strong disapproval, labeling the new kickoff rule as “terrible.” He hasn’t held back in his critique, and it gathered attention quickly on social media. Taub seemed to respond directly to Trump, saying, “He doesn’t even know what he’s looking at. He has no idea what’s going on with the kickoff rules. Take that for what it’s worth. And I hope he listens to it.”
This exchange caught the eye of Tyreek Hill, a former Chiefs player, who tweeted, “I love animals,” perhaps in reference to the unconventional back-and-forth.
Taub, who joined the Chiefs in 2013 and became associate head coach in 2018, has been through various team dynamics, while Hill played a crucial role from his draft in 2016 until 2021. Initially shining as a returner, Hill transitioned into becoming one of the premier wide receivers in the league.
Recently, Trump continued to voice his objections during an ESPN Veterans Day special, emphasizing, “I think this is a very bad thing. I think it’s very humiliating and it’s a detriment to the game. It’s a detriment to a spectacular tournament.” He mentioned discussing these views with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, arguing that it doesn’t necessarily make the game safer.
Taub’s defense came amid a backdrop where some, like sports commentators Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit, have managed to praise the new rule, citing its potential for increased safety and more returns, illustrated by a recent impressive 97-yard touchdown run by a Buffalo Bills player.
