Starting with the 2026 season, the NFL will focus discipline on on-field rules violations most likely to result in injuries. In a joint statement by the league and the NFL Players Association, a "greater emphasis" will be placed on five violations: hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, launching, hit on a defensive player, and blindside block.

Players committing three of these offenses in a season will receive a one-game suspension. Those with one violation get 50% of their fine returned at season's end. Players with one offense in other eligible categories receive the full fine amount back. All players start the 2026 season with a "clean slate," but violations carry forward.

Owners were briefed at Wednesday's league meeting in Atlanta, and player leadership voted Tuesday. Coaches must now join players approaching the suspension threshold in meetings with the NFL. Teams with excessive violations face increased financial penalties. Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera, who played nine seasons as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, joins the pool of former players overseeing discipline hearings.

"This approach distinguishes between isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players," the NFL and NFLPA said. "Player safety is a shared responsibility. These changes focus on the techniques that create the greatest risk while ensuring player, coach, and club accountability."