The NFL banned the hip-drop tackle via a unanimous vote of team owners Monday in a controversial decision that the league contends will improve player safety.
The rule change immediately prompted impassioned responses from players past and present.
Detractors of the decision argue that the rule will fundamentally change how the game is played for the worse, and further skews the rules in favor of offenses as the league protects its most marketable players.
The NFLPA decried the proposal via a statement last week ahead of the vote, arguing that the change “causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials and especially, for fans.