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NFL Introduces New “Three-Strike” Rule That Could Get Players Suspended

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Azeez getting ready to hit Trevor Lawrence
Azeez and Trevor Lawrence (Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

New NFL rules have dropped, and we could see more suspensions this year as a result. The NFL’s new “three-strikes” rule could effectively change the way players tackle.

Over the years, we have seen players penalized and fined over certain plays that have been outlawed. We’ve seen Trevor Lawrence get knocked unconscious and Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended as a result.

Now, players like him have to be really careful.

The Targeted Infractions

Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) is horse collar tackled by Washington Commanders defensive tackle Byron Cowart (55) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The NFL’s new “three-strikes” rule automatically suspends a player for one game. That happens if they commit three violations of the exact same major player-safety rule within a season.

This updated accountability framework is designed to target dangerous, repetitive on-field techniques rather than punishing isolated mistakes.

NFL rules have narrowed the focus of this system to five specific health and safety violations.

  • Hip-drop tackles
  • Horse-collar tackles
  • Launching
  • Hits on a defenseless player
  • Blindside blocks

How the “Strikes” and Carryovers Work With The New NFL Rules

Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (91) commits a horse collar tackle on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The system tracks each category completely independently. For example, if a player commits three separate hip-drop tackles, the suspension triggers automatically.

Conversely, if they commit two hip-drop tackles and one horse-collar tackle, they will not be suspended. That is because they did not reach three infractions in a single category. In addition to tracking single-season numbers, the league will now carry strikes over into future seasons to catch chronic rule-breakers.

One Strike: If a player receives just one strike in a year, they reset to a clean slate the following season.

Two Strikes: However, if a player finishes the year with two strikes in a category, one strike will carry over to the next season.

Three Strikes (Suspension): Consequently, racking up a third strike leads to a one-game suspension. Following that suspension, the player will carry two strikes into the subsequent season, keeping them on the brink of another ban.

Now more than ever, players need to pay attention to the NFL rules to avoid hurting their team.

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