NFL Defines Hip-Drop Tackles in Rule Change Proposal for 'Clear and Obvious' Plays

The NFL has defined what will qualify as a hip-drop tackle in a new rule change proposal, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

As the NFL Competition Committee continues to formulate language for a rule that would penalize the hip-drop tackle, the league will define the tackle as a grab, swivel and dropping of weight on the back of the ankle.

According to Pelissero, it will only be called when it is "clear and obvious that all three components are present, and officials are confident they can see it." Pelissero also noted that there is support for outlawing the tackle.

Support for a hip-drop tackle increased this season following several injuries across the league. Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill both suffered ankle injuries as a result of a hip-drop tackle and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith briefly exited a game after a hip-drop tackle.

NFL executive Jeff Miller, who lobbied for penalizing the hip-drop tackle in October, noted that the hip-drop tackle increased the risk of injury by 25 times the rate of a regular tackle.

The league has not taken action against a style of tackle since 2006, when it began penalizing the horse-collar tackle by giving the the offense 15 yards and an automatic first down. It's not clear what the penalty would be for a hip-drop tackle, but it would likely be significant like the horse collar.

Whether the NFL will decide to make the hip-drop tackle illegal is still unclear, but a rule proposal means it will be on the radar this offseason.