NFL players not happy with potential rule change

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is helped off the field during the second quarter of a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NFL players are not happy with potential rule change discussion

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 2/4/23

The NFL is planning on having a "very active conversation" this offseason when it comes to banning the hip drop tackle that injured Cowboys running back Tony Pollard in the playoffs.

The very idea of that discussion is not sitting well with players, especially defensive who see it as another obstacle to worry about in doing their jobs.

A brief sampling of their voices from social media:

This is so stupid. How the heck are we ever going to get guys on the ground. They thinking too much
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) February 4, 2023

A desperation wrap up trying to prevent a ball carrier from gaining extra yards. There isnt 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 QB and interference. This would be overkill https://t.co/p5mPwcZ0SW
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 4, 2023

they about to have us getting dragged down the field like we trying to tackle Spike from the Little Giants https://t.co/npSQcMUihV
— Adrian Amos (@_SmashAmos31) February 4, 2023

Ain’t no way https://t.co/ceioPTg2jV
— Michael Carter II (@mcarter2nd) February 4, 2023

This would be really bad for the game https://t.co/FGlPumtx65
— Lane Taylor (@lanetaylor65) February 4, 2023

It’s getting outta hand now https://t.co/GrtAZeTl1e
— Jevón Holland (@HollywoodVon) February 4, 2023

The NFL tends to be very reactionary when it comes to these things, and anytime there is a high profile injury (or an increase on a specific type of injury) rule changes tend to follow.

But it is also understandable why defensive players would be upset with this one. As several of them pointed out, there are already extensive restrictions on what they can and can not do when it comes to tackling players, and there are increasingly more protections on quarterbacks and wide receivers.

At this point the league has not made any changes, but the fact there is going to be such a discussion about it this offseason certainly puts the possibility of a change on the table for next season.

If that happens players are simply going to have to find new ways to adjust once again.

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