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:
- Using both hands to grab the runner or both arms to wrap the runner
- 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.
Here’s the video the NFL just showed in a press conference of what are now banned swivel hip-drop tackles (with NFL executive Jeff Miller speaking in the background). pic.twitter.com/Y4H8h6pQkW
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024
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.
It’s about to be a lot of miss tackles 😂
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 25, 2024
Jason Cabinda, a free agent and former fullback with the Lions, was equally incensed by the news.
I’m so tired of the NFL’s “competition committee” this sh*t is getting ridiculous
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) March 25, 2024
Another recent addition to the Detroit Lions roster, DJ Reader, shared his sentiments as well:
These rules getting crazy out here. Two hand tag better fits the game.
— Dj Reader (@Djread98) March 25, 2024
Another reader posted this on Instagram with a “SMH” (shaking my head):
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25354424/IMG_3935.jpeg)
Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them… https://t.co/yToh5XKVMS
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 25, 2024
I guess we are playing flag at this point https://t.co/2LOI10AT4d
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) March 25, 2024
Competition committee doesn’t care about defense. Every year they make it harder for us to succeed 🤦🏾♂️
— Joshua Metellus (@NoExcuses_23) March 25, 2024
— Javon Hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 25, 2024
*No HorseCollar
*No Ducking the Head
*No Hip Drop
*No Slamming
*No Big Hits on Defenseless Receiver
😂Y’all must not have had to tackle these dudes before— JB (@NVBentley33) March 25, 2024
Here are a few more players from throughout the league and their immediate responses to the news:
Im happy the hip drop tackle is outta the game. I’m all for the league trying to minimize the potential for serious injury. This league has a 100 percent rate of injury but the hip drop tends to be the cause of injuries that are harder to come back from. Good job NFL
— kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 25, 2024
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.