NFL follows college football’s lead, will implement targeting rule
By Adam Spencer
Published:
For a couple of years now, college football has employed a targeting rule, where players are subject to ejection for leading with their helmets when making tackles.
For better and for worse, that rule is in place, and referees are doing their best to use it correctly to make the sport as safe as possible.
Now it appears the NFL will follow college football’s lead, as the league announced on Tuesday that it would also implement a targeting rule:
BREAKING: The NFL has announced a new targeting rule.
It is now a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.
Anywhere on the field.
The player may now be disqualified.
— 247Sports (@247Sports) March 27, 2018
Much like the NCAA, there will likely be some growing pains this year in the professional ranks, as officials try to utilize the rule correctly.
Still, it’s a step in the right direction, as the NFL has to continue addressing its concussion problems or risk losing more viewers and top players.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
