J.J. Watt Says NFL Should Play Flag Football: Players React to Hip-Drop Tackle Ban

The NFL has officially banned hip-drop tackles, and defensive players are understandably angry.

Future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt led a chorus of former and current players who ripped the NFL's decision Monday, expressing frustration at continued rule changes that give the advantage to offensive players.

The ban on hip-drop tackles was proposed by the NFL Competition Committee. Offensive players have, at times, seen their legs trapped under defenders who use their body weight to drop to the ground to perform the tackle. Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews missed the final six games of the 2023 regular season after being injured on a hip-drop tackle.

The NFLPA issued a statement last week opposing the proposed ban.

"The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a 'swivel hip-drop' tackle," the statement read. "While the NFLPA remains committed to improvements to our game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials and especially, for fans. We call on the NFL, again, to reconsider implementing this rule."

A proposed ban failed to garner support last year as the league struggled to reach a formal definition on what constituted a hip-drop tackle.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said it's unlikely the ban will result in many on-field penalties. The enforcement will most often come via warnings and fines following games.