The NFLPA once again announced that it will not be able to do so after an official proposal to vote on a ban on “spinning hip drop” tackles was sent to all 32 NFL teams for voting at the annual Spring Conference in Orlando, Florida, next week. is against.
The controversial tackle, in which a defender wraps his or her hands or arms around the ball carrier and then lowers his or her hips to pinch the opponent’s feet or legs, has become a hot topic of conversation around the league.
The tackle left numerous players injured, and Commissioner Roger Goodell led the vote on the rule.
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The NFL logo is displayed on the field before the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
“The players oppose the NFL’s attempt to implement a rule prohibiting ‘rotational hip drop’ tackles,” the statement read. “While the NFLPA remains committed to improving the game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support rule changes that create confusion for players, coaches, officials, and especially fans. We once again request that the government reconsider the introduction of this rule. ”
One of the main examples of hip drops used is former San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmy Ward’s tackle on then-Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard during the 2022 postseason. . Ward’s tackle caused Pollard to injure his ankle, which ultimately required surgery.
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Since then, the NFL has found 105 hip-drop tackles out of 20,000 tackles investigated since 2022, according to Pro Football Talk. They also found that tackling increased the risk of injury by 25 times the injury rate of standard tackling.
But the biggest question is how officials can accurately determine in real time whether a hip drop has occurred, which Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, acknowledged is difficult. Ta.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to the media during a press conference prior to Super Bowl III at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 5, 2024. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
While some examples are easily visible at the moment, there are other hip drop tackles that can be done in scrums or disguised as regular tackles. For players, safety and proper technique are always processes to consider.
But players will argue that they can’t think of the perfect way to tackle someone when they’re trying to help their team win a game.
The controversial topic will now be up to NFL teams, as at least 24 teams will need to vote in favor of the rule, which goes into effect next season.
Umpire Bill Vinovich (number 52) watches the game before Super Bowl III between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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If that happens, there will be a 15-yard penalty on the field.
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