In an effort to crack down on concussions, the NFL has prepared a video to help illustrate the difference between legal hits and illegal ones, between dangerous plays and clean hard hits. The video is in resposne to complaints from players that they weren’t sure what they were allowed to do.
I love the fact that the league also released this video to the public — it’s available for viewing on their website — because it not only helps fans to understand the distinction, but it shows that the league is taking this issue seriously. They include a number of hard hits that are legal, including a punishing blow by linebacker Ray Lewis.
After watching this video, it’s easy to see the difference between a tough, physical brand of football and blatant cheap shots to the head of an opponent.