NFL and Detroit Lions players reaction as league has officially lay ‘Ban’

The NFL has formally implemented the new “hip drop rule,” which aims to address a specific type of tackle that the NFL Competition Committee claims happened approximately once per game last season and led to a significantly higher injury rate compared to a typical tackle.

The prohibited “hip-drop tackle” comprises three key elements. Here is the precise language from the original rule proposal:

1. Using both hands to grab the runner or both arms to wrap the runner
2.  raising oneself off the ground (the competition committee stressed this point even though it isn’t explicitly stated in the rule).

3. He unweights himself by turning, lowering his hips and/or lower body, landing on the runner’s leg(s), and trapping them at or below the knee.

The NFL Competition Committee additionally furnished an instance of said plays.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1772285073120711025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772285073120711025%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

The discontent among NFL players regarding this rule change is palpable. Despite opposition from the NFL Players Association before its adoption, the rule change proceeded regardless.

Following its implementation on Monday morning, numerous NFL players took to Twitter to voice their dissatisfaction, including some former and current Lions players. One notable figure who expressed his frustration on Twitter is the outspoken Darius Slay.

https://twitter.com/bigplay24slay/status/1772298116378599731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772298116378599731%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

Jason Cabinda, a free agent and former fullback with the Lions, was equally incensed by the news.

https://twitter.com/jasoncabinda/status/1772284793465524615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772284793465524615%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

Another recent addition to the Detroit Lions roster, DJ Reader, shared his sentiments as well:

https://twitter.com/Djread98/status/1772297780167409777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772297780167409777%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

Another reader posted this on Instagram with a “SMH” (shaking my head):

https://twitter.com/JJWatt/status/1772280695156625417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772280695156625417%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

https://twitter.com/jsimms1119/status/1772294946092970451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772294946092970451%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

https://twitter.com/NoExcuses_23/status/1772276587389702232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772276587389702232%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

https://twitter.com/Jay_MostWanted/status/1772286545111794121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772286545111794121%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

 

https://twitter.com/NVBentley33/status/1772290187432772035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772290187432772035%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

Here are a few more players from throughout the league and their immediate responses to the news:

https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/1772285967556059586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1772285967556059586%7Ctwgr%5E67e88586ae00576d68c7c4e164b7ad5d8a73978b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prideofdetroit.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111575%2Fdetroit-lions-nfl-players-outraged-league-bans-hip-drop-tackle

Adding balance to the conversation, former NFL offensive lineman Kyle Long voiced his support for the rule change.

Although it’s intriguing to watch the NFL implement a rule intended to increase player safety, the players themselves nearly universally disagree with the concept. Regretfully, the players will have to adapt to this new rule and have very little control over the situation.

A violation of the new regulation will result in a penalty of fifteen yards. It’s not up for review.