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In an effort to increase safety, the NFL and the NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) have agreed to a new set of rules cracking down on some of the more unsavory fouls players can commit.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the two organizations announced updates to the league's on-field accountability system, which was approved by the league in an owner's meeting in Atlanta.
'The goal is simple: Make the game safer by focusing discipline on the techniques most likely to result in player injury rather than players who make isolated mistakes during competition,' the statement read.
The particular fouls covered under this rule change are as follows: the hip-drop tackle, the horse-collar tackle, launching, hits on a defenseless player and blindside blocking.
Under the new rule, players who commit three offenses in any of those aforementioned categories will be suspended for one game.
Additionally, players who commit only one violation throughout the season will receive 50 percent of their fine back at the end of the campaign.
The NFL has announced rules which would institute a one-game suspension if a player commits three separate instances of five specific fouls deemed a danger to player safety
This includes the hip-drop tackle, which was banned by the NFL beginning in the 2024 season
Horse collar tackles, like the one shown above, were banned by the league in 2005
The statement says that violations 'will carry forward to subsequent seasons,' however, 'all players will begin 2026 with a clean slate.'
Furthermore: 'Players will also have a clearer and faster path to reducing the impact of prior offenses than under the previous system.'
The league also announced that coaches will be required to join players in meetings with the NFL for players 'approaching the suspension threshold.'
Finally, the new rules allow for 'clubs with excessive health and safety rules violations' to 'also face increased financial penalties.'
'This approach distinguishes between isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players,' the statement read.
'Player safety is a shared responsibility. These changes focus on the techniques that create the greatest risk while ensuring player, coach, and club accountability.
'Together, we believe this approach will continue to make the game safer for all players.'
Controversial 'hip-drop tackles' were outlawed by the league in 2024 in an effort to prevent lower-leg, foot and ankle injuries. As for the other violations, horse-collar tackling was banned in 2005, launching was outlawed in 2011 and the ban on blindside blocking began in 2019. NFL rules to prevent hits on a defenseless player began being introduced in 1996.
