NFL Amends Challenge Rule Submitted by Detroit Lions

Lions have one of their submitted rule changes accepted.

The Detroit Lions had one of their submitted rule changes accepted at the annual owner's meetings.

Prior to the 2024 NFL season, teams had two challenges and could only earn a third by successfully winning each of their two challenges.

Now, any team can receive a third challenge by simply winning one of their first two challenges made.

Last year, the Lions submitted this rule change, but were not successful and tried again this year.

The other rule change amended indicates that "A major foul by the offense will be enforced before a change of possession in situations where there are fouls by both teams."

Hip-drop tackle banned

Despite the opposition by the NFLPA, the league went ahead and officially banned the controversial hip-drop tackle that caused some players to suffer injuries throughout the course of the season.

Lions linebacker and special teams ace Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who now serves as the President of the Player's Union, indicated that collectively the players did not want to see the rule changed, as it could cause some confusion for players who have been taught a certain way for a vast period of time.

“The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle,” the official statement read. “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.”