NFL Players Outraged by Latest Rule Change

The NFL officially banned the controversial “hip drop” tackle during the league’s Annual Meeting, drawing the ire of current and former players.

“Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them,” Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman J.J. Watt posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, immediately after the rule change was announced.

NFL owners voted to ban the controversial tackle, which is viewed as an injury concern, despite overtures by the NFLPA objecting to penalizing defenders for attempting the move.

Now, the move will draw a 15-yard penalty.

NFL Players, Agents Long Opposed Hip-Drop Tackle Ban

Watt’s comments were echoed by several marquee agents who represent players across the league. During conversations following Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews suffering an ankle injury after a hip-drop tackle, multiple agents voiced their displeasure over a hypothetical ban.

Meanwhile, current players have also chimed in their displeasure.

“Breaking news,” Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Tackling Banned.”

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard quickly piled on, posting “You can’t ban something AND not show us the alternatives like cmon.”

Meanwhile, the NFL’s Rich McKay insists that the “swivel” hip drop tackle where defenders jump in the air and then drop the runner’s legs from behind is the move that’s being banned, and that after reviewing 20,000 plays this move increased injury rates by 20 percent.

According to ESPN, the NFL could also issue fines and suspensions after reviewing plays involving the hip-drop technique, similarly to how it enforces punishment against helmet-to-helmet hits.

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