NFL outlaws controversial 'hip-drop' tackle

Field Level Media|published: 03/25/2024, 11:38am EDT

Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs after a catch during the first quarter against Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) at M&T Bank Stadium. credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

NFL owners voted Monday to ban the controversial "hip-drop" tackle, which was blamed for numerous injuries this past season.

The rule change was proposed by the NFL Competition Committee and adopted at the annual owners meetings in Orlando, Fla.

Owners also adopted a change to challenges, approving a third challenge for coaches after one successful challenge, instead of two. Also approved was the enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession.

The hip-drop tackle is defined as a technique in which 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."

It will now result in a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down. Further, players could be subject to fines and warning letters for employing the technique.

NFL executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent said last week the tackle was "something we want to get out of the game."

—Field Level Media