In 2018 The NFL Banned Lowering Your Head To Hit. It Covers Ball Carriers Too.
In March 2018 NFL owners made lowering the head to hit an opponent a 15-yard foul for every player on the field, not only tacklers.
On March 27, 2018, NFL owners approved a rule that penalizes a player 15 yards, with a possible ejection, any time he lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent.
What it replaced
The earlier rule limited the foul to contact with the crown of the helmet. The 2018 rule applies to tacklers, ball carriers and linemen.
Why
ESPN reported that, according to NFL research, nearly one out of every two helmet-to-helmet hits caused a concussion in 2017, up from one out of every three in 2015.
The rule today
It is a foul if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.
- 01Penalty: 15 yards
- 02Automatic first down if the defense commits it
- 03The player may be disqualified
- 04Incidental helmet contact in a conventional tackle or block is not a foul
Quick answers
- Can an NFL ball carrier be flagged for lowering his head?
- Yes. The 2018 rule applies to any player, including ball carriers, who lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.
- What is the penalty for lowering the head in the NFL?
- 15 yards, plus an automatic first down if the defense commits it. The player may be disqualified.
- When did the NFL ban lowering the head to initiate contact?
- NFL owners approved the rule on March 27, 2018.
Sources
- 2026 Official Playing Rules of the National Football League
- The Official NFL Rulebook, NFL Football Operations
- ESPN, NFL bans lowering head to initiate contact
- Sports Illustrated, NFL Owners Approve Targeting Rule
If you think anything on this page is wrong, we want to know.
One football fact a day.
Sourced, short, and nothing to do with predictions.
Keep going
ORIGINThe NFL Dropped Its 5-Yard Face Mask Penalty In 2008. Only The 15 Is Left.
ORIGINThe NFL Banned The Horse-Collar Tackle In 2005. Now Buckled Knees Are Enough.
ORIGINThe NFL Relaxed Its Celebration Rules In 2017. The Football Became A Legal Prop.
ORIGIN