NFL owners approve ban on hip-drop tackling technique

NFL owners have approved a proposed rule to ban the hip swivel tackle, the league announced Monday.

The violation will result in a 15-yard penalty if reported during games, but Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, strongly hinted last week that it would likely be enforced the same way as the “wear a helmet” rule, which usually leads to warning letters and fines within a week of a game rather than flags during the game.

The proposal was drafted to address only a subset of the rugby tackling style that has become more prevalent in the NFL in recent years, competition committee chairman Rich McKay said last week.

The tackling technique often results in lower body injuries. The rule requires officials to note two actions: If a fielder “grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms” and also “takes his weight off by pivoting and dropping his hips and/or the lower body, landing on and trapping the runner. leg(s) at or below the knee.

The NFL Players Association joined many current and former players in opposing the proposal last week. In a statement posted on social media, the NFLPA said the rule would create confusion among players, coaches, officials and fans.

On Monday, former player JJ Watt was among those who expressed displeasure with the owners' vote on tackling technique, publish on“Fast forward to the belts with flags on them…”

Last season, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was among the players who suffered a serious injury following a hip swing tackle. Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson used this technique to take him down on November 16. Andrews suffered a cracked fibula and ligament damage and was sidelined until the AFC Championship Game.

NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said there were 230 instances of tackling techniques in a game last season, resulting in 15 players missing time.

In addition, two other proposals were approved:

• Teams will receive a third challenge after a successful challenge. Previously, teams had to complete two challenges to receive a third. The proposal was submitted by the Detroit Lions.

• A major offense by the offense will be called before a change of possession in situations where there are fouls by both teams.

ESPN's Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.