NFL bans hip-drop tackles, while major changes to kickoffs continue to be debated

Orlando, Fla.— Hip-drop tackles have been banned, the Detroit Lions convinced the league to update its rules regarding coaches challenges, and the NFL is still debating significant alterations to kickoffs, making them a more impactful play once again.

The biggest change coming out of Monday morning at the league meetings was the banning of hip-drop tackles — especially the swivel variety — which the league determined had a significantly higher rate of injury than a standard tackle. Despite opposition from the NFLPA, making the hip-drop tackle illegal was unanimously approved by the league's 32 teams.

It was the culmination of a three-year process that had added urgency when an internal study showed a 65% increase in the tackle style in 2023. Player health and safety executive vice president Jeff Miller said there were 230 instances of the now-banned tackle last season, resulting in 15 injuries that caused players to miss time.

Rich McKay, the chair of the league's competition committee, said officials will be encouraged to flag hip-drop tackles when three factors are identified: A defender has control of a ball carrier, the defender lifts their body off the ground in a swivel motion, and the defender unweights to complete the tackle, specifically when they finish on top of the ball carrier's legs. It will be a 15-yard personal foul and subject to a fine.

McKay and Miller said the NFL worked closely with rugby officials, after that sport similarly banned the style of tackle in recent years.

Beyond the hip-drop, the only rule change approved Monday came from a Lions proposal. The team requested the league modify the requirements for coaches to gain a third challenge. Previously, coaches had to get both of their first two challenges correct to earn a third, but that changes next season to only needing to get one correct.

"It was interesting, for a rule you wouldn't think was that consequential," McKay said. "It was definitely an interesting debate and interesting vote. That rule passed barely, but it did pass."

The league's teams also continue to debate another change to kickoffs, modeled on how the XFL handled the play a few years back. The NFL has seen return attempts cut from 85% to closer to 20%, as they've emphasized making the play safer. They're now looking for ways to keep injury risk low through the restriction of speed and space, while increasing the number of returns.

"This is our chance to keep special teams in the game," McKay said. "Special teams have been a part of the game forever. If you lose the kickoff, in our mind, you really pretty much eliminate special teams."

The condensed explanation is teams would continue to kick off from their own 35-yard line, but the 10 non-kickers would start on the opposite 40-yard line. Blockers and players covering the kick would not be permitted to move until the ball either hits the ground or is fielded by the returner. The belief is this will eliminate most full-speed collisions.

To further encourage returns, kickoffs that go into the end zone on the fly would be eligible to come out to the 30-yard line. The initial proposal had the ball going out to the 35 on those plays.

Meanwhile, the league's efforts to create an alternative for onside kicks, which have become almost entirely ineffective under the current rules, continue to struggle to garner the needed support. The Philadelphia Eagles had proposed replacing onside kicks with a fourth-and-20 snap, but it was voted down on Monday. McKay hopes a rule change regarding onside kicks will be revisited next offseason.

Finally, in another improvement to player safety, the league is expanding the use of guardian caps during contact practices. The soft, padded shells that fit over helmets have been worn by offensive and defensive linemen, running backs, tight ends and linebackers over the past two years, resulting in a 50% decrease in concussions, according to Miller. This year, receivers and defensive backs will also be required to wear the caps during padded practices.

Alternatively, there will be eight new, position-specific helmets available to players this offseason. If players opt to wear one, they will be exempt from wearing guardian caps because testing has revealed the new helmets offer the same levels of protection.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers