NFL releases video explaining illegal hits
The NFL's executive vice president of football operations, Ray Anderson, delivered a video outlining precisely what the NFL deems to be an illegal hit to all 32 teams.
The video comes in the wake of the NFL vowing to crack down on helmet-to-helmet hits after a number of vicious hits in week six. The video was delivered to every team on Wednesday, October 20, and all coaches were required to show it to their players.
The NFL's stance drew strong reactions from several players who believed it would change the way the game is currently played. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the recipient of a $75,000 fine for his hit on Mohamed Massaquoi, even contemplated
retiring from the NFL, stating that he was uncertain he could play under the league's new policies.
Ray Anderson was adamant that he had no intention of changing the physical nature of the way the game is played, but that the NFL's main concern is the long-term safety of its players.
"You must know that player safety is our highest priority," Anderson says in the video.
"We've said publicly, and we will repeat to all of you, we will not apologize for or be defensive about aggressive enforcement to protect players from illegal and potentially life-altering blows to the head and neck."
"These hits can have severe consequences for the player delivering the hit, as well as for the player taking the blow," added Anderson, making specific reference to Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson's hit that knocked Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson
out of last week's game. "Using the head, forearm or shoulder to deliver the initial hit against a defenseless player will draw significant discipline."
Ray Anderson's, and the NFL's, stance appears clear and it is now up to the players to abide by the new rules. He finished the video with, "So please, know the rules and play by the rules. You are on notice, and we will appreciate your compliance."
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