In an surprising decision, NFL teams have unanimously decided to prohibit the use of hip-drop tackle from the coming season.
As a result, players who are deemed to have committed this offense during the course of a game will be liable to on-the-spot penalties and potential fines after the match.
This adjustment to the ruling is expected to be a significant feature of the offseason programs and training camp schedules across the league.
Among many who will have to adapt to this stringent rule change is Giants linebacker, Bobby Okereke.
Bobby Okereke expects "acclimation period" to hip-drop tackle ban. https://t.co/38EHo4J5rj
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 17, 2024
He has candidly expressed that this shift is challenging for defenders, as making stops is their bread and butter.
This additional focus of ensuring correct tackles will inevitably make their jobs tougher.
“Yeah, it’s definitely another thing for us to be aware of as defenders,” Okereke said, via a transcript from the team. “You know, it’s tough. They tell you, run your feet on tackles so you can run through this guy. At the end of the day, our job is to get the guy down. You know, it’ll be an emphasis for us in training camp going forward, focusing on that. I assume it will be an acclimation period for all of us.”
While supporters of the rule adjustment perceive it as a progressive step, it hasn’t sat well with many players, including Okereke, who voiced his disapproval.
Other players may share the same sentiment as they tread on the unfamiliar path of altering their approach to tackling.
