With every new season comes a new focus around the officiating of games, from revised rules around lowering the crown of the helmet to pass interference calls.
Ahead of the 2026 season, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to five new points of emphasis around the health and safety of the game, as well as clearly defined penalties around any offenses.
The points of emphasis as announced by the league and its players association on Wednesday are:
-Hip Drop Tackle -Horse Collar Tackle -Launching -Hit on a Defenseless
Player -Blindside Block
The hip drop tackle, in particular, has been a major topic in recent years as it has continued to lead to serious injury. Last season, Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu received a (later rescinded) one-game suspension for repeated hip-drop infractions, the last of which was one on the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
According to Wednesday’s announcement, players who commit three offenses in any of the five points of emphasis will receive a one-game suspension. Players who commit only one violation will receive half of their fine back at the end of the season.
Another big note is that violations will carry over season-to-season. All players, however, will begin the 2026 season with no previous violations.
