In the NFL, certain rules, such as the tush-push and hip-drop tackle, have emerged as contentious topics, sparking debates over their safety implications. While the league remains undecided on the prohibition of the tush push, the hip drop has gained considerable attention as a potential target for removal from NFL playbooks, particularly since last season.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has recently voiced its stance on banning the hip-drop tackle, emphasizing the need for the league to reassess its position on this particular technique.
NFLPA urges NFL to ban hip-drop tackle?
The NFLPA has issued a firm statement, urging the NFL not to outlaw the controversial hip-drop tackle. In a statement, they stated their opposition to any rule change that would ban the tackle technique. They highlighted concerns about potential confusion among players, coaches, officials, and fans if such a rule were to be implemented.
“The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle,” the NFLPA stated.
The NFLPA also highlighted concerns about potential confusion among players, coaches, officials, and fans if such a rule were to be implemented.
“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.”
This isn’t the first time the NFLPA has taken a stand against the hip-drop tackle. Last year, officials from the NFL’s health and safety department presented data to the competition committee, indicating that this tackle technique leads to a higher rate of injuries compared to other plays, per NFL.com.
Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing discussions about player safety and rule changes, the NFL’s competition committee has put forth a proposal to revamp kickoffs. The proposed changes will be presented to team owners at the upcoming league meetings, where at least 24 out of 32 votes will be required for approval.
The proposed kickoff rule changes would go into effect after receiving the majority of team owner approval for a one-year trial period. They also put forward a penalty system for the controversial tackle.
What is swivel hip-drop tackle?
According to the NFL’s definition, a hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender grabs the runner with both hands or wraps them with both arms. Then they unweight themselves by swiveling and dropping their hips and/or lower body, ultimately landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.
While it can be effective, especially when executed by a smaller defender against a larger opponent, there are growing concerns about its safety implications.
One notable incident involving a hip-drop tackle occurred during a Week 11 matchup last season between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson utilized this technique to bring down Ravens tight end Mark Andrews short of the goal line.
Unfortunately, Andrews suffered a cracked fibula as a result, sidelining him for the next seven games before his return for the AFC championship game.
As discussions continue regarding the safety of various tackling techniques, the future of the hip-drop tackle remains uncertain.
