NFL Owners Ban Controversial ‘Hip-Drop Tackle’
During the annual NFL league meeting held in Florida on Monday, owners formally voted to prohibit the ‘hip-drop tackle’ from the sport, effective next season. This controversial tackling technique has been a subject of controversy for some time and has resulted in numerous injuries within the league.
What is a Hip-Drop Tackle?
The hip-drop tackle in question refers to a swivel maneuver where a player grasps the runner with both hands or wraps their arms around them. The tackler then unweights themselves by swiveling and dropping their hips and/or lower body, resulting in landing on or trapping the runner’s legs at or below the knee level. From next season, this tackle will result in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Division Among Players
Not everyone in the NFL community is thrilled about this decision. Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt expressed his disapproval on social media, commenting “Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them.” Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland also shared his disappointment, posting “Breaking news: Tackling Banned” on the same platform.
Reactions to the Ban
Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews experienced firsthand the consequences of this tackle when he sustained a serious ankle injury following such a tackle in November last year. Despite this, Andrews did not place blame on the tackler and remained neutral in the ongoing conversation about banning the technique.
Additional Rule Changes
Monday’s meeting also saw two other significant rule changes. The first change protects a club’s ability to challenge a third ruling following one successful challenge, while the second allows for an enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession when there are fouls committed by both teams.
Conclusion
The NFL’s decision to ban the hip-drop tackle comes in response to the ongoing debate surrounding player safety and injuries. While some are applauding the move, others are expressing dissent. With these rule changes, the league aims to create a safer playing environment for its players.
Keywords:
NFL, hip-drop tackle, football tackling technique, player safety, injury prevention, rule changes, tackle ban, controversial technique.
Additional context:
It is essential to acknowledge that the NFL has taken a proactive stance on player safety in recent years, implementing rules to reduce the number of injuries. The hip-drop tackle is just one of several techniques under scrutiny for its potential risks. Other controversial tactics like helmet-to-helmet hits and low blocks have also been targeted in the past.
Related Articles:
1. “NFL’s New Rule on Hip-Drop Tackles: What You Need to Know” – ESPN
2. “NFL Bans Controversial Hip-Drop Tackle: How Will Players Adapt?” – Sports Illustrated
3. “The Impact of the NFL’s Hip-Drop Tackle Ban on Defensive Players” – The Ringer
