Lions’ Proposed Defensive Rule Change Fails to Be Approved by NFL Owners

The league's annual meetings are under way in Palm Beach, Fla.

Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis III tackle Demarcus Robinson. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The NFL's annual owners meetings are underway in Palm Beach, Fla. this week and, on top of breakfast press conferences, team Hall of Fame announcements, and coaches' photos, owners are also voting on rule changes to be implemented for the 2025 season and beyond.

While the league approved a new overtime rule, a modified kickoff, and an adjustment to flexing Thursday Night Football—among others—at least one rule change was shot down.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions proposed to eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding or illegal contact. Said proposal did not pass a vote from the league's owners.

Detroit’s proposal to eliminate an automatic first down as a penalty imposed for defensive holding and illegal contact did not pass, despite the Lions’ pleas.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 1, 2025

As meetings continue on, one question remains: will the "Tush Push" be banned? We should get an answer soon enough.

---

More NFL on Sports Illustrated

feed