Of all rule changes up for discussion this offseason, the hip-drop tackle seems to be the most hot-button issue. While some feel it doesn’t belong in the league because it’s too dangerous, players across the NFL have pushed back on removing the play as it would change the game as we know it.
However, on Monday morning, the league voted to ban the tackle from the game, and NFL players across the league took to social media to express their frustrations with the rule change.
NFL Players Are Angry About the Hip-Drop Tackle Ban
It’s crystal clear that NFL players across the league are not in favor of the new rule change and have taken to social media in droves to show their displeasure.
Players now have to unlearn what they were taught their entire lives playing the game of football. Many are worried about just what message this is sending for the future of the league.
Breaking news: Tackling Banned
— Jevon Holland (@quickdrawjev) March 25, 2024
Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland made his stance on the matter abundantly clear and did not mince words.
“Breaking news: Tackling Banned”
Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them… https://t.co/yToh5XKVMS
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 25, 2024
Former Houston Texans pass rusher J.J. Watt made a living off of being a ferocious tackler, and with the announcement of the new rule change, Watt alludes to, maybe out of frustration, that the game is soon going to be played as flag football.
“Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them…”
With the NFL unanimously voting to ban the Hip-Drop tackle, it’s only a matter of time before football as we know it, is just physical flag football. pic.twitter.com/7o7YnV5FUk
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 25, 2024
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Robert Griffin III shares the same feelings as Watt does.
“With the NFL unanimously voting to ban the Hip-Drop tackle, it’s only a matter of time before football as we know it, is just physical flag football.”
That New rule BS
— Lonnie Johnson jr. (@Lonnie30johnson) March 25, 2024
Texans cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. was a little more direct in his feelings about the change.
“That New rule BS”
— Javon Hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 25, 2024
San Francisco 49ers’ defensive tackle Javon Hargrave provides another simple reaction, but one that leaves no doubt about how he feels about the rule change.
🤮🤮🤮🤮 https://t.co/TlPSDKukFS pic.twitter.com/AGc1UA4B39
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) March 25, 2024
New Orleans Saints pass rusher Cam Jordan has been a loud detractor of this rule from the beginning. When it was announced on Monday morning that it was passed, he made sure to let his feelings known with a bunch of throw-up emojis and a meme featuring several flags on the field and a referee with words written, “Hold up! Flag on the play!”
It’s clear that the rule change was never going to be well received. Now that it will be put into action, players across the league are furious about it. How it all unfolds throughout the 2024 season will be fascinating, and just how much of an impact it will have on the product of the game remains to be seen.
Either way, it’s very clear that NFL players are not in favor of the rule change.
KEEP READING: NFL Bans Controversial Hip-Drop Tackle Despite Protest From Players Union
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