NFL owners voted unanimously on Monday to ban the swivel hip-drop tackle during the league meetings, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The decision was expected after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Monday that removing the tackle was necessary for player safety.
Atlanta Falcons CEO and competition committee chairman Rich McKay clarified that the exact form of hip-drop tackle being outlawed was one where “a player literally grabs and then un-weighs himself and lifts himself in the air and comes down on the knee or ankle.”
As a result, any hip-drop tackle would result in a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down for the offense with the defensive player likely getting fined, as well.
The decision doesn’t sit well with a lot of current and former defensive players:
