NFL video of now illegal tackle included a special focus on a Chiefs player

Other than having games take place on artificial fields, the NFL says it is dedicated to improving player safety.

That’s the reason why the NFL on Monday outlawed the hip-drop tackle because it has an injury rate up to 25 times the normal tackle. That’s according to NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent.

“The rule defines a hip-drop tackle as occurring when a tackler grabs a ballcarrier with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms, swivels and ‘unweights’ himself by leaving the ground, then falls on the back of the ballcarrier’s lower leg or legs,” the Washington Post’s Mark Maske wrote. “Such tackles will be subject to 15-yard penalties and potential fines.”

To illustrate this specific type of play, the NFL released a video. It prominently featured a tackle made by Chiefs safety Justin Reid in the 2022 AFC Championship Game win over the Bengals.

Cincinnati receiver Tyler Boyd was injured on the play, which was shown five times in this NFL video (from the Dallas Morning-News’ Michael Gehlken).

Current and former NFL players spoke out about the rule, saying they were not in favor of it. Former Colts punter/ESPN host Pat McAfee believes it’s unfair to have game officials make a split-second decision on when to throw a flag on a tackle.

Reid was asked by a Chiefs fan what he thought of the new rule and being featured prominently in the NFL’s video. He wasn’t happy.

“Horrible… really making it difficult for defense to make a play— especially when a defensive player is running a guy down from behind,” Reid wrote.

“Players don’t make the rules tho so just gonna have to play and let the chips fall where they fall”