Getting rid of the hip-drop tackle is a top priority for the NFL. This decision is opposed by the NFL Players Association. On Thursday, league officials ignored the union's concerns and said that players will always fight against safety measures.
In response to the sonic boom of helmet-to-helmet collisions on October 17, Peter King of Sports Illustrated penned the following piece in November 2010: James Harrison of the Steelers tackles Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, Brandon Meriweather of the Patriots tackles Ravens tight end Todd Heap, and Dunta Robinson of the Falcons tackles Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. About five to ten minutes of actual time passed as it all happened.
The NFL Players Association was unhappy with the league's move to crack down harder on blows to the neck and head of vulnerable players. President Kevin Mawae of the union reportedly told King, "The skirts need to be taken off in the NFL offices." Pittsburgh Steelers security The team's former union representative, Ryan Clark, expressed his disappointment, calling it a "sad day for the sport."
The league has made James Harrison a villain for playing exactly the way he played to earn the Defensive Player of the Year award [in 2008]," King reported. "I think what we're seeing is a knee-jerk reaction to the result of the hits, not a thoughtful reaction to the reality of the hits."
A distinct picture has been painted by history. Despite player protests, the NFL—known for its reactive nature—was attempting to take the initiative to ensure player safety.
Even now, it's going on. Serious injuries to the lower leg can be caused by the hip-drop tackle. It seems like the players aren't concerned.
That's why I think a wealthy individual who can't buy their way into the NFL will establish a new league that plays by the old rules in due time. It will be enrolled by the players. It will attract a specific subset of the fan base.
Regardless of one's opinion, it seems inevitable that players yearning for traditional toughness will be catered to as the NFL undergoes greater transformation. An old-school alternative would surely find enough viewers to make it financially viable.
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