NFL star George Kittle shares 'biggest concern' with controversial hip-drop tackle rule

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The NFL will be enforcing a new rule next season to improve player safety, banning the "hip-drop tackle." 

It's a rule that's received tons of backlash from players, both current and former, who believe it will significantly hamper the way defenders tackle opponents. 

The controversial tackle occurs where a defender wraps the ball carrier with his hands or arms and then drops their hips, causing the ball carrier's legs and feet to become trapped. 

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, a hard man to take down on the field, shared his own thoughts regarding the rule, which will result in a 15-yard penalty when enforced. As an offensive player, it will benefit him when it's called, but he does have a big concern. 

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George Kittle (85) of the San Francisco 49ers runs after making a catch during the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

"When you watch football, that tackle injures people, I just don’t think, very often," he told Fox News Digital. "My biggest concern from it is that tackle probably happens a lot, and people bounce up. And no one thinks twice about it. What I just don’t want to have happen is multiple penalties are getting called in situations where a penalty doesn’t need to be called."

Others agree with Kittle, especially considering referees will need to call the tackle in real time. And when it's crunch time, could a discretionary call affect wins or losses? 

It could also slow games down with a third replay challenge also being approved at the NFL owners