Players will be suspended 1 game if they accumulate 3 penalties in
certain categories
[August 27, 2026]
By CHARLES ODUM
ATLANTA (AP) — NFL players will face a one-game suspension this
season if they accumulate three penalties in certain designated
categories, the league and the players' union announced
Wednesday.
The NFL and the NFLPA said in a statement that they have agreed
to place a greater emphasis on five health and safety rules
violations: the hip drop tackle; horse collar tackle; launching;
hit on a defenseless player; and blindside block. |
Troy Vincent speaks during a news conference at an NFL football owners
meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn
Anderson) |
|
The goal is to make the game safer by focusing discipline on the
infractions most likely to leave players injured.
“There are some player safety fouls that really put the defender
and his opponent at really high risk,” said Troy Vincent, NFL
executive vice president of football operations.
“We don’t like to remove people from the team or the roster,” he
added. "But we’ve had to put some measures in place to hold the
player to greater accountability for himself and for his
opponent.”
NFL players voted on the changes at a Board of Player
Representatives meeting Tuesday and owners were briefed on the
new safety rules violations standards during a meeting Wednesday
in Atlanta.
The violations in those categories will carry forward into
subsequent seasons but the league and union said all players
will start the upcoming season with a clean slate.
Players who commit only one violation will receive 50% of their
fine back at the end of the season.
Coaches will also be required to join players in meetings with
the NFL to review video of the violations when a player has
accumulated two infractions and is on the threshold of a
suspension.
Clubs with excessive health and safety rules violations will
face increased financial penalties.
Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders coach Ron
Rivera, who also played nine seasons in the NFL, will join the
group of former players who oversee the on-field discipline
appeal hearings.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
|
|
