The NFL banned hip-drop tackles on Monday with a unanimous vote of team owners in a controversial decision the league claims improves player safety.
This rule change immediately sparked an enthusiastic response from players past and present.
Opponents of the decision say the rule fundamentally changes the way the game is played in a negative way, further skewing the rule in favor of offense as the league protects its most marketable players. claims.
The NFLPA condemned the proposal in a statement last week ahead of the vote, arguing that the changes would “cause confusion for players, coaches, officials, and especially us as fans.”
Jeff Miller, vice president of the NFL Competition Commission, argued in favor of a ban in October, declaring that hip-drop tackles result in “approximately 25 times the injury rate of a typical tackle.” That argument ultimately won out, as owners formally voted to ban the technology at a league meeting in Orlando on Monday.
JJ Watt leads key player response
Players weighed in after Monday's vote, and many joined the NFLPA's critical stance. Among them was retired J.J. Watt, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times. He likened the ban to flag football on social media.
Kenyan Drake – injured in 2021 – among Rule supporters
Player reaction was mainly critical of this decision, but was not unanimous. Two offensive players, including Kenyan running back Drake, were among those who supported the rule. Drake broke his ankle in a tackle in 2021, Requested changes to initiative rules after that. He voiced support for the rule change on Monday.
I don't care about popular opinion. I lost my right ankle and a quarter of my '21 season on this type of tackle. Something had to give and I'm glad it's not anyone's foot/ankle anymore https://t.co/FkXqdW6fKm
— Kenya Drake™ (@KDx32) March 25, 2024
Retired Pro Bowl tackle Kyle Long also supported the change and the league's efforts to “minimize the possibility of serious injury.”
I'm glad the hip drop tackle took him out of the game. I'm all for the league trying to minimize the chance of serious injury. He has a 100% injury rate in this league, but hip weakness tends to cause injuries, making it difficult to return. Good luck NFL
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 25, 2024
Former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman took a two-pronged approach.
There are two aspects to this. I'm all for player safety and hip-drop tackles are dangerous, but on the other hand, if you remove all methods of tackling, how are defensive players supposed to tackle? #healthydebate https://t.co/38ZTOsxQar
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 25, 2024
However, the majority of player reactions on social media were not supportive of the change, with the most vocal critics including prominent defenders past and present.
I wish the entire competition committee had been forced to create an example of how they expect defenders to tackle ball carriers. I want them to perform this at full speed and create videos for the players. At some point during the creation of that video, they will realize how…
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 20, 2024
The competition committee doesn't care about defense. Every year they make it harder for us to succeed 🤦🏾♂️
— Joshua Metellus (@NoExcuses_23) March 25, 2024
Why can an offensive player cut you? I'm sure a lot of people get hurt because of that, but it's still in the game.
— Joshua Metellus (@NoExcuses_23) March 25, 2024
As a human: almost indifferent
As a business person:
The NFL protects its products. Viewers across the country are tuning in to watch the attack. Provides additional protection for offensive players/potentially weakens tackle attempts (win-win)As a Hitman: Hate, Increase Defense Fines, Weakening the True Sport https://t.co/NL65TPWlFU
— Harrison Smith (@harrismith22) March 25, 2024
I don't like the hip drop rule. We will make a legitimate complaint. But we're back to the food line again, and they know it.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 25, 2024
NFL players know that career-ending injuries are a risk on the field. We're trading our health for $$, so we don't think about it from the injury aspect. Earn as much money as you can while playing and save $$ when an injury happens… https://t.co/otVtBfcq0i
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) March 25, 2024
This rule will result in more penalties and missed tackles. Both make it easier for the offense to score.
— DK (@DevonKennard) March 25, 2024
You'll see a lot of ball carriers carrying DBs like backpacks instead of doing “hip drop” tackles.
— Quincy Enunwa (@QuincyEnunwa) March 25, 2024
Like it or not, you can't change the new rules for now. At least not for the upcoming season. If implemented as planned, the rule is intended to reduce the risk of injury in violent matches. They also plan to change the way Sunday games are played and watched.
Prepare for more hotly debated penalty flags as the league, players and officials adjust to big changes.
