When the rule banning horse-collar tackles was first proposed, there was a great deal of pushback from defensive players who thought it would be impossible to bring down a ball carrier from behind without being allowed to grab him by the back of the shoulder pads. It hasn’t turned out that way.
In reality, the horse-collar tackle rule has become second nature to NFL defenders and has been adopted in college, high school and youth football as well. This year, the league has expanded the rule.
A video distributed to all 32 teams to be shown to every player details precisely how the rule has changed, and reminds players that there is further protection against ball carriers being grabbed by the tops of their jerseys.
“The horse-collar rule has been expanded for this season,” the narrator of the video says. “Prior to this change it was illegal to grab the inside collar of the back, or the side, of the shoulder pad or jersey, and pull the runner toward the ground. Now it will also be illegal to grab the back or side of the jersey at the name plate or above and pull the runner toward the ground. As a reminder, the runner does not have to be pulled all the way to the ground. If his knees are buckled by the action it is a foul. This rule does not apply to a quarterback in the pocket or a runner in the tackle box. But once the runner leaves the tackle box or the quarterback leaves the pocket, the rule will be in effect.”
Executive V.P. of Football Operations Troy Vincent notes at the outset of the video that players adjust when rules are changed.
“In past years you have adjusted your play to not only respect the rules but also one another as professionals. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and certainly contribute to a longer, healthier playing experience,” Vincent said.
Another adjustment on horse-collar tackles is coming this year.