NFL Votes To Ban All Chop Blocks

On Tuesday, the NFL voted to make all chop blocks illegal.

NFL Votes To Ban All Chop Blocks

A chop block is a particular type of block in which one player blocks an opponent up high while another “chops” at his legs, and will now be illegal. Although the league had taken measures in previous years to curtail these types of blocks, those steps didn’t go far enough to protect defensive linemen.

The chop block ban was one of seven new rules passed on Tuesday, the second day of the league’s annual meetings. Other new rules include a permanent move of the point after attempt to the 15-yard line, an expanded ‘horse collar’ rule that includes any grabbing above the name plate on the back of a jersey, and the allowing of coordinators to use coach-to-player communication from the booth.

Some proposed rules did not get passed on Tuesday, namely the Baltimore Ravens’ move to require players who are normally ineligible receivers, such as offensive linemen, to wear pinnies to make themselves eligible. Another rule that was rejected was the Carolina Panthers’ proposal that a forward pass must have “a realistic chance of completion” in order to avoid being considered intentional grounding.

Other proposals, including those relating to the expansion of replay and ejections for players with two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls in a single game, are still being discussed.

“That one has been tabled because we received some opposition, so it will be revisited. It’s not dead yet,” Giants owner John Mara said. “I still think it has a chance. Some of the coaches were just concerned about a rule that would result in a automatic ejection that would alter the game.

“What we’re hoping for with the rule is that when a player gets one of those personal fouls, that he would be more judicious the rest of the game – that it would change their mindset for the conclusion of the game.”

Caption: DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 14: The NFL logo is displayed on the turf as the Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 14, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)