A year ago, very few people knew about the hip drop tackle. Not many people still do that.
Too many fans, current players and former players don’t want to know. They just want to complain about rule changes that make it harder to defend, without understanding what they are or the risks involved.
It’s not complicated. The defender grips the ball carrier with one or both hands, usually around the waist. The defender uses that grip to swing or rotate his body into position behind or to the side of the ball carrier. The defender then drops most of his weight directly onto the ball carrier’s legs.
This technique carries an increased risk of injury. And multiple injuries occurred. Most recently, Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill injured his ankle with a horse collar/hip drop hybrid.
Yes, it’s horse collar tackle. It has been banned for nearly 20 years due to the risk of lower body injuries. The NFL moved to outlaw it about five years before the league was forced by Congress to take head injuries seriously.
The NFL has spent the past two decades working to make the game safer. A unique risk to hip drop tackles was discovered last year. They are similar if not identical to the risks of horse collar tackle.
Offseason discussions earlier this year stopped short of banning hip-drop tackles. The league has now announced that it is seeking a ban on hip-drop tackles.
Ultimately it’s up to the owner. They are scheduled to vote on it in March. In the meantime, the league office must recognize that everyone with a vested interest in the best interests of this sport will be forced to drop hip drops like hot potatoes because of the risk of injury. I hope.
