The NFL passed four game-changing rules this offseason and revised its suspension policy to emphasize player safety, all of which will go into effect in 2026.
The most notable change is the new “three strikes” suspension rule that the NFL and NFL Players Association announced in August. Players who commit three infractions in the following categories will now be suspended for one game: hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, boot, hitting a defenseless player and blindside tackle.
A suspension will only apply if all three violations are in the same category (eg three horse collars will result in a suspension, but two horse collars and hip drops will not). Violations in the categories listed in the main list will carry over to the next season. All players start 2026 with a clean slate.
The new policy allows players to be fined for breaking the rules. Players who commit just one violation in each of the five categories will receive a 50 percent penalty at the end of a season. Under most fielding rules, single fouls carry a 100 percent refund at the end of the season.
“This approach distinguishes between individual mistakes and repeated conduct that endangers the health and safety of players,” a joint NFL and NFLPA statement said.
What did we learn at the NFL Special League meetings?
Jonathan Jones and Johnny Sweet
Three of the four other rules approved at league meetings in March relate to fines for team owners.
First, the owners have removed the previous requirement that the team pursue forward kicks. The new rule allows either team to attempt an onside kick at any point in the game.
Another new starting rule eliminates the incentive to intentionally hit the ball out of bounds when starting the ball 50 yards. That usually happens when there’s a personal foul on a team’s scoring play and a 15-yard punt on the ensuing kickoff.
Previously, when punting from the 50-yard line, he gave the ball away at the 30-yard line, which put the ball 25 yards out of bounds — or the 25-yard line. This made it easy for the teams to get out of the field. Now, midfield touchdowns are placed on the 20-yard line.
The final chaos fix improves the alignment requirements to receive team players in the setup zone. At least five players should line up with their front foot in the defensive line of the receiving team instead of six.
Finally, the owners approved a change that would allow league officials to consult with on-field officials regarding football actions and non-football actions that were not called on the field and could lead to a disqualification.
