The NFL’s Competition Committee has officially put forward a proposal aimed at banning hip-drop tackles. This is in alignment with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s directive. Under this new rule, a defender could be penalized with a 15-yard penalty if they clutch the ball carrier with both hands or enfold them with both arms, then twist or lower their hips or lower body, ultimately landing on and ensnaring the runner’s leg beneath the knees.

At the end of the December League Meeting, Goodell shared his views with the media, expressing a strong desire to see the hip-drop tackle eradicated from the game. “Hip drop, I would tell you, I think we all should work to get that out of the game,” Goodell remarked. And now the league’s executive VP has come out in support of the move.

NFL EVP backs Roger Goodell

Troy Vincent acknowledged last month the challenges that might arise in officiating the hip-drop tackle. He had suggested that fines could be more common than on-field penalties for such infractions. “Most uses of the helmet are captured the week after,” Vincent pointed out, indicating the retrospective nature of enforcing certain rules.

But now, he has become more vocal in his support of the ban. Vincent told journalists about his commitment to eliminating the hip-drop tackle from football. He underscored the critical reason behind this drive: “When you have a play that has a 20-25x injury rate, it doesn’t allow you to fulfill your dreams,” He said it is “something we want to get out the game.”

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But why is the hip-drop tackle such a matter of debate?

Teams to vote on the ban next week

The spotlight turned on the hip-drop tackle as a major safety issue following a postseason game in 2022. Then-49ers safety Jimmie Ward’s tackle led to a severe injury for then-Cowboys RB Tony Pollard. Subsequent analysis of NFL injury data revealed that this type of tackle could spike the risk of injury to 25 times that of a conventional tackle.

The debate around the safety of hip-drop tackles gained traction, especially after high-profile injuries to players like Patrick Mahomes during the 2022-2023 playoffs, and Mark Andrews in the regular 2023 season. Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith brought further attention to the issue with his remarks following a hip-drop tackle by Isaiah Simmons in the fourth week of the 2023 season.

A comprehensive review of 20,000 tackles over the past two seasons identified 105 instances of hip-drop tackles, involving notable names such as Ryan Tannehill, Tyreek Hill, and Deshaun Watson. For the NFL to enact a ban on hip-drop tackles, it will require the backing of at least 24 team owners during the annual spring meetings set to take place next week in Orlando.

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