NFL Considers Video Review for Safety Penalties
The NFL is evaluating the possibility of implementing video review to assess penalties related to player safety that officials have not detected. This proposal arises as an initiative to improve player protection on the field. Currently, plays where a foul is not called are not reviewable. However, it is proposed that penalties such as grabbing the face mask, unnecessary roughness, tackling the quarterback, and “hip-drop” tackles may be subject to review. This discussion will be a central topic at the NFL competition committee meeting during the offseason.The penalties for face mask grabbing have been some of the most obvious infractions that officials have overlooked. This change, although significant, would not be unprecedented for the NFL, as the review of pass interference was implemented in 2019, but was eliminated after one season due to its unpopularity.We would like to introduce all the opportunities and options to put a flag on the field or any way to address this during the game.
Dawn Aponte, NFL Head of Football Operations
During the season, the league imposed 30 fines for “hip-drop” tackles, which put players at risk of serious knee and ankle injuries. Officials only flagged two fouls for this type of tackle, and one of them was considered incorrect, so it did not result in a fine.We need to decrease, as much as possible, or improve safety, and one of the ways is to address what happens on the field. The way we do that is something we will discuss with the committee.
Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President in charge of player safety
Concussion in Kickoffs: A Worrying Increase
The data reveals a significant increase in concussions during kickoffs. This increase coincides with a greater number of returns, even though the head injury rate remains below the levels prior to the rule changes designed to make the kickoff safer. In 2025, 35 concussions were recorded on kickoffs, compared to eight the previous year. The modification that moved the touchback to the 35-yard line resulted in 1,157 additional returns. The kick return rate increased to 74% from 33% the previous season, the highest in 15 years. Although the league feels encouraged by the decrease in the overall injury rate compared to previous kickoffs, where the coverage team had a prior run, concussions will remain a focus of attention in offseason discussions.Miller pointed out that the face mask does not offer the same protection as the helmet against concussions, estimating that half of concussions come from blows to the face mask.For 20 of the 22 players in this year’s kickoff, we saw a decrease in the injury rate, in concussion rates, and in lower extremity injury rates. But we did see concussions for both the tackler and the ball carrier. And so, we began the conversation with the competition committee to analyze those impacts, to analyze the formation and structure and the speeds of the game and see if there are ways to address them.
Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President in charge of player safety
Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s medical director, reiterated the importance of training techniques to prevent concussions.If a significant number of concussions on the field are the result of hits to the face mask, then we need to analyze the face masks. There has to be a better way to do this.
Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President in charge of player safety
We are in a relentless search to get our heads out of the game. And that is going to be our most effective strategy to reduce concussions, whether we are talking about the kickoff or any other part of the game.
Dr. Allen Sills, NFL chief medical officer
