NFL and NFLPA Strengthen Player Safety Rules for Upcoming Season

The NFL and the NFL Players Association issued a joint statement on Wednesday regarding player health and safety violations for the upcoming season.

The statement highlighted a focus on five specific fouls: hip drop tackles, horse collar tackles, launching, hits on defenseless players, and blindside blocks. Players who commit three violations of these rules during the season will face a one-game suspension. Additionally, teams with a high number of violations may incur fines, and coaches will be required to attend meetings with players approaching suspension.

Players fined for a single violation can receive 50 percent of their fine back at the season's end if they do not incur further penalties. The announcement also included that Ron Rivera, a former head coach for the Panthers and Commanders, will be part of the panel reviewing appeals related to these health and safety violations.