Donald Trump’s NFL Shooting Remark Sparks Controversy During CBS Interview

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

In a heated exchange during a CBS interview aired Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised the speed of an unnamed individual involved in an assassination attempt on his life, suggesting the National Football League should consider hiring the person for their reflexes. The remark, which quickly drew criticism from political and sports figures, has reignited debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and public safety in America.

What Happened: The CBS Interview Exchange

During a segment of CBS Sunday Morning that aired April 26, 2026, correspondent Rita Braver asked Trump about his experience during the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. According to the official CBS transcript, Trump responded:

“It was very fast. The NFL should hire him. He was very fast. I mean, look—nobody’s ever seen anything like it. And I was able to turn my head just in time.”

When Braver pressed Trump on whether he felt the incident had changed his perspective on security, the former president grew defensive, telling her, “You should be ashamed of yourself. I’m not a rapist, nor have I ever been accused of such things.” The abrupt shift in tone and subject matter left Braver visibly taken aback, with the exchange quickly going viral on social media.

NFL’s Official Response and League Context

The NFL, which has faced increasing scrutiny over player safety and security protocols in recent years, issued a brief statement Monday morning in response to Trump’s remark. A league spokesperson told Archysport:

“The NFL does not comment on political statements. Our focus remains on the safety of our players, staff, and fans, as well as the integrity of our game.”

The comment comes at a time when the league has been expanding its security measures, including mandatory metal detectors at all stadiums and increased coordination with local law enforcement for high-profile events like the Super Bowl. The NFL’s official Player Health and Safety page does not address political figures or assassination attempts, focusing instead on concussion protocols and injury prevention.

Why the Remark Resonated in Sports Media

Trump’s suggestion that the NFL should “hire” the individual responsible for the assassination attempt—later identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks—has drawn comparisons to the league’s history of evaluating players based on physical attributes. The NFL Combine, for example, measures prospects’ 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and reaction speeds, with scouts often praising “elite athleticism” in ways that mirror Trump’s phrasing.

However, sports analysts were quick to note the distinction between athletic performance and violent acts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter told viewers Monday:

“The NFL evaluates players based on their ability to perform on the field, not their actions off it. This isn’t a debate about reflexes—it’s about the message it sends when a former president appears to praise someone who tried to kill him.”

The remark also arrives as the NFL grapples with its role in American culture. The league has increasingly positioned itself as a unifying force, with initiatives like Inspire Change focusing on social justice and community engagement. Trump’s comment, however, underscores the challenges of separating sports from politics, particularly in an election year.

The Security Angle: How the NFL Handles Threats

While the NFL has not commented on Trump’s specific remark, the league’s security protocols are among the most robust in professional sports. According to a 2025 report by the Department of Homeland Security, the NFL collaborates with federal agencies to classify the Super Bowl as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), granting it the highest level of protection. This includes:

• Advanced screening of all attendees, including facial recognition technology at some venues.
• Coordination with the U.S. Secret Service for events involving political figures.
• Mandatory background checks for all stadium personnel, including vendors and media.
• Real-time threat assessment teams deployed during games.

The assassination attempt on Trump in 2024, which resulted in the death of one rally attendee and injuries to two others, has led to calls for increased security at political events. The NFL’s existing protocols, however, are designed for stadium environments and do not directly apply to open-air rallies or campaign events.

Public Reaction: From Outrage to Satire

Reaction to Trump’s remark has been sharply divided. On social media, some users defended the comment as a darkly humorous take on the situation, while others criticized it as inappropriate given the gravity of the assassination attempt. The hashtag #NFLHireHim trended briefly on X (formerly Twitter) Sunday evening, with users posting satirical “NFL Combine” videos of Crooks’ movements during the attack.

Sports Illustrated’s Monday column called the remark “a new low in the politicization of sports,” while Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd argued on his radio reveal that Trump’s comment was “just a guy being a guy” and not meant to be taken literally.

CBS, which aired the interview, has not issued a statement regarding the exchange. The network’s CBS Sunday Morning program is known for its long-form interviews with political figures, but this marks one of the more contentious exchanges in recent memory.

What’s Next: The NFL’s Silence and the Election Cycle

The NFL’s decision not to engage with Trump’s remark reflects a broader strategy of avoiding political entanglements, particularly during an election year. With the 2026 NFL season set to begin in September, the league is likely to focus on its upcoming schedule release and offseason roster moves rather than wading into political controversies.

For Trump, the remark is the latest in a series of sports-related comments that have drawn attention. In 2017, he criticized NFL players for kneeling during the national anthem, sparking a league-wide debate about protest and patriotism. His latest comment, however, may prove more difficult to dismiss as mere political rhetoric, given its direct connection to an act of violence.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s remark: During a CBS interview, Trump praised the speed of his would-be assassin, suggesting the NFL should “hire him.”
• NFL’s response: The league issued a neutral statement, avoiding direct engagement with the political controversy.
• Security context: The NFL’s protocols for player and fan safety are among the most stringent in sports, but they do not extend to political events.
• Public reaction: The comment has sparked debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and public safety, with reactions ranging from outrage to satire.
• What’s next: The NFL is unlikely to address the remark further, focusing instead on its upcoming season and offseason preparations.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on NFL security protocols, visit the league’s Stadium Security page. For verified information on the 2024 assassination attempt, refer to the FBI’s investigation page. Archysport will continue to cover the intersection of sports and politics as the 2026 election cycle progresses.

What do you think about Trump’s remark? Should the NFL have responded more directly? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.