The front office of the NFL was busy this week hammering out a number of notable tweaks to the game. Among the most controversial was that of hits new helmet rule.

The NFL  has decided to outlaw lowering the head to initiate contact with another player. Needless to say, there is a large faction of those around the league that have taken issue with the new ruling — including one former anonymous linebacker, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:

Text from former NFL linebacker: “Can't believe how ridiculous this lowering of the head thing is. Go back and watch any game and you will see probably 30 to 50 examples of guys lowering their head on contact. A f——— mess. Why does the NFL want to self-destruct?”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in their home opener.
Steelers rumors: NFL analyst suggests Will Levis trade with TitansBenjamin Adducchio ·

The comments should hardly come as any surprise. The rule change will largely benefit the offensive players while those on defense are left unsure as to what qualifies as a clean tackle.

The new rule has been met with plenty of skepticism regarding the nature of its wording. It also remains to be seen how strictly referees are going to enforce it as well.

The NFL has attempted to do what it can to help reduce the instances of helmet-to-helmet contact throughout the game. However, there are those that feel the game has started to become ‘soft' as a result. Unfortunately, the new ruling could potentially raise more frustration when it comes to these situations. That said, it will be interesting to see if the league is able to provide more clarification on the changes before the season.