What Is Horse Collar In Football

If you're an avid football fan or a horse enthusiast, you've likely heard the term "horse collar" tossed around in conversations. However, many people may not be familiar with this term or its significance in football. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the meaning, history, and implications of horse collar in football, including the NFL rule established to prevent it and its potential effects on players.

Definition of Horse Collar in Football

In football, a horse collar refers to a dangerous tackling technique where a defender grabs the inside of an opponent's shoulder pad or jersey from behind and yanks them down. This method can lead to severe injuries, mostly because the tackled player's legs often become tangled underneath their body, putting tremendous pressure on their knees and ankles. The term comes from the fact that the technique resembles how a person would use a horse collar to control a horse.

History of Horse Collar Tackling

Although the horse collar tackle itself has likely been around for many years, it gained prominence in the NFL during the early 2000s. One of the most infamous horse collar incidents involved former Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams, who injured Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens using this technique in 2004. This event, among others, led to the NFL adopting a rule against horse collar tackles in 2005.

The NFL Horse Collar Rule

The NFL officially addressed horse collar tackles with the implementation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 15 in the 2005 season. The rule states:

"A runner or a tackler using the top inside collar of the side or front of his shoulder pads, or the inside collar of his jersey at the nameplate or above, and immediately pull the runner toward the ground, face forward or sideways, when tackled will be penalized."

The penalty for violating this rule is 15 yards, which can make a significant impact on a game for the offending team.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some exceptions to the horse collar rule in the NFL, such as:

• If a player is inside the offensive tackle box, a horse collar tackle is allowed.
• If the ball carrier is a quarterback in the pocket, a horse collar tackle is also allowed.
• If a defender grabs the player by their hair (which is considered part of the uniform), it is not considered a horse collar tackle.

Impact of Horse Collar Tackling on Players

Despite these restrictions, horse collar tackles still occur, putting players at risk for career-threatening injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained from such tackles include:

• Torn ligaments in the knees, such as the ACL, MCL, and PCL
• Broken ankles or dislocated foot
• Fractures in the lower leg bones

Given the severe consequences, it's essential for players to adhere to safe tackling techniques and avoid horse collar tackles whenever possible.

What Is Horse Collar In Football Example:

Imagine there's a high-stakes football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs. Star Chiefs running back breaks free from a tackle and starts sprinting down the field towards the end zone. A Patriots defender rushes from behind, reaches out, and grabs the running back's collar from the inside of his shoulder pads. The defender yanks him down to the ground, resulting in an awkward fall where the running back's leg gets caught beneath him. The horse collar tackle not only stops the play but also causes a potential injury to the Chiefs' star player. In addition to the unnecessary injury, the Patriots are now assessed a 15-yard penalty, which could cost them crucial field position or even the game.

Now that you've become well-versed in the world of horse collar tackling in football, you can impress your fellow football fans with your knowledge. Keep an eye out for these dangerous tackles in future games, as they can have serious consequences for both the players and the overall outcome of the game. If you enjoyed this guide, don't hesitate to share it with friends or explore our other content on How to Own a Horse for more fascinating insights!