"Just give them flags at this point" - NFL faces big backlash from players after proposed rule to ban hip-drop tackles 

A major rule change might be coming to the NFL this offseason. The league plans to have an 'active conversation' this offseason about possibly banning the hip-drop tackles, according to NFL's Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills.

This specific kind of tackle has been in the league for as long as it has existed. It's common practice for players to grab the ball carrier and fight for him to avoid getting the extra yards.

The league wants to understand how these kinds of tackles are related to a rise in high-ankle sprain injuries and what they can do to stop them.

However, taking this kind of tackle out of the game would be a major change in the way it's played - and frankly, a near-impossible one. Players, both from the past and the present, are incredibly upset with the proposed rule change.

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JAY RICHARDSON

@JayRichardson99

Just give them flags at this point. The @NFL seems to be trying to take tackling out of tackle football. twitter.com/nfl_dovkleiman…

Dov Kleiman

@NFL_DovKleiman

The #NFL is planning to have an "active conversation" this offseason about possibly banning the “hip drop” tackles, according to NFL's CMO Allen Sills.

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The #NFL is planning to have an "active conversation" this offseason about possibly banning the “hip drop” tackles, according to NFL's CMO Allen Sills. https://t.co/9g66NULgby

Just give them flags at this point. The @NFL seems to be trying to take tackling out of tackle football. twitter.com/nfl_dovkleiman…

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Former linebacker Jay Richardson spoke out against the proposal to ban hip-drop tackle. He wrote on his Twitter page:

"Just give them flags at this point. The NFL seems to be trying to take tackling out of tackle football."

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'Hip-drop' tackle injured Tony Pollard in the NFL Playoffs

Perhaps the play that sparked the league's desire to have a conversation about the hip-drop tackle came during the NFC Divisional Round. It was in a match between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers.

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Derrick

@callmeDnice22

@NBCS49ers Remember that dirty tackle that injured Tony Pollard last week? The Karma Injury Gods are out with a vengeance today! Not A Eagles fan but Fly Eagles Fly, Cry Deebo Cry!

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@NBCS49ers Remember that dirty tackle that injured Tony Pollard last week? The Karma Injury Gods are out with a vengeance today! Not A Eagles fan but Fly Eagles Fly, Cry Deebo Cry! https://t.co/sdkAbJVhkQ

Running back Tony Pollard suffered a fractured leg and was unable to return to the game - and would be out for the rest of the season. This was after he was dragged to the ground by a San Francisco defender. He fell over Pollard's legs.

It's not uncommon for defenders to drop their weight over a player's leg as they try to grab him and not let him get some extra yards. It's part of the NFL, unfortunately. Even former cornerback Richard Sherman did not mince words about the league's proposed change:

“A desperation wrap-up trying to prevent a ball carrier from gaining extra yards. There isn’t one player saying, 'Hey, I’m about to drop my weight on his ankle when I tackle him'. Defense is hard enough with the rules about roughing the quarterback and interference. This would be overkill.”

It's clear that defensive players think this is a step too far from the league. We shall see if the strong backlash will be a reason for the NFL to keep the hip-drop tackle alive.

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