The NFL owners have voted to ban the ‘hip-drop’ tackle at the Annual League Meeting

The Baltimore Ravens tight end, Mark Andrews, endured a challenging 2023 season after being sidelined due to a cracked fibula and ligament damage. These injuries were sustained following a controversial ‘hip-drop’ tackle by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. This tackle sparked widespread debate and concern within the NFL community, ultimately leading to its official ban during the recent annual league meeting in Orlando, Florida.

The decision to ban the ‘hip-drop’ tackle came after it was identified as a contributing factor to multiple player injuries, prompting NFL owners to unanimously vote in favor of its prohibition. However, this move has stirred mixed reactions, as it is anticipated to significantly alter the approach of defenders in the game. Many individuals within the football community view this ban as a departure from the traditional physicality associated with the sport.

Notably, several players, including Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland, and former NFL pass rusher JJ Watt, expressed their disapproval of the ban on social media. Their sentiments echoed the concerns of numerous athletes who perceive the prohibition of the ‘hip-drop’ tackle as a significant adjustment to the dynamics of gameplay.

The ‘hip-drop’ tackle was officially defined as a technique where a player “unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s legs at or below the knee.” As a consequence of the ban, any player found to have executed a ‘hip-drop’ tackle will incur a 15-yard penalty and surrender an automatic first down, reflecting the gravity of this regulatory change.

In addition to the prohibition of the ‘hip-drop’ tackle, NFL owners approved other amendments, including a modification to the challenge system. Coaches will now have the option to issue a third challenge following a successful initial challenge, as opposed to the previous limit of two challenges. Furthermore, a revision was made to the enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession, aligning with the league’s commitment to refining gameplay regulations.

Troy Vincent, the NFL executive VP of football operations, emphasized the necessity of removing the ‘hip-drop’ tackle from the game, signaling the league’s proactive stance in prioritizing player safety and injury prevention. This resonates particularly with the case of Mark Andrews, whose experience served as a prominent illustration of the detrimental impact of the ‘hip-drop’ tackle, leading to his absence from multiple games until his return in the AFC Championship Game.