NFL Players Association Issues Statement on Proposal to Ban Hip-Drop Tackle

The NFL will hold its annual league meeting next week, where the league will vote on potential rule changes for the upcoming season. 

One rule proposal up for debate involves the hip-drop tackle, as the NFL’s competition committee would like to make that tackle a 15-yard penalty in an effort to control lower-body injuries.

However, players appear to be vehemently opposed to this new rule. The NFLPA released a statement Wednesday explaining its stance on hip-drop tackles.

“The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle,” the statement said. “While the NFLPA remains committed to improvements to our game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials and especially, for fans. 

“We call on the NFL, again, to reconsider implementing this rule.” 

Additionally, many players posted their displeasure with this proposal on social media.

Hip-drop tackles have led to a variety of lower-body injuries in recent years, so much so that the league has publicly stated it is ready to ban it from games. On the other hand, players believe that making these tackles a penalty would be bad for the game.