With football maneuvers, the defenders seem to have to bear the major brunt of new rules. After the league introduced the “roughing the passer” rule, it became more challenging for them to attack QBs. Now, it seems the NFL wants to make it tougher for defenders to do their jobs. The “hip drop tackle” is the latest in the NFL’s crosshairs.

Former TE Shannon Sharpe discussed this in the latest episode of his podcast with Ocho. Shannon Sharpe is adamant about getting rid of the hip-drop tackle in the NFL with the 25x more increased injury risk. He said, “Look, I’m surprised they didn’t do it earlier.” He’s been actively involved in discussions with the league’s competition committee, pushing for rules that penalize this dangerous maneuver.

According to Sharpe, the tackle involves grabbing and dropping the defender’s weight onto the back of the ankles. To be penalized, it must be clear that all three components are present, ensuring officials can confidently identify them.

The urgency to outlaw this tackle stems from recent injuries suffered by players like Mark Andrews and Tyreek Hill, who both sustained ankle injuries from such tackles. Even Geno Smith had to leave a game briefly due to a hip-drop tackle. Sharpe recalled discussing this issue earlier in the year, emphasizing its impact on player safety.

NFL executive Jeff Miller has supported penalizing the hip-drop tackle, citing statistics showing a 25-time higher risk of injury than regular tackles. But what is the NFL’s official stance on the issue?

What does the NFL think of the tackle?

The NFL is actively considering banning hip-drop tackles, drawing parallels to the notorious horse collar tackles. Rich McKay, chair of the NFL’s competition committee, shed light on the mechanics of these tackles, describing how defenders encircle the runner before swinging their weight onto the side of their leg, risking severe injury to the ankle or knee. Dr Robert Glatter, a former New York Jets sideline physician, echoed McKay’s concerns, emphasizing the potential for significant ankle and ligament damage resulting from hip-drop tackles.

In response to these safety concerns, the NFL’s health and safety officials have convened with the competition committee, prioritizing the elimination of hip-drop tackles from the game. However, the NFLPA has raised objections, fearing that a ban could confuse players, officials, and fans.

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Despite these concerns, the NFL remains committed to addressing hip-drop tackles. Drawing inspiration from rugby leagues with similar rules, the league is exploring avenues to penalize these tackles effectively. As discussions unfold, finding the delicate balance between ensuring player safety and preserving the essence of defensive play remains a paramount challenge for the NFL.