ATLANTA — NFL director of officiating Al Riveron said Tuesday that there will be no adjustment period for players involving a new rule that makes it illegal for any player to lower his head to initiate contact.
“No grace period,” Riveron told reporters during a briefing at the NFL owners’ meetings. “There’s no leniency. This is going to happen now.”
League owners in March unanimously agreed to the new rule as a way to help reduce concussions. The rule applies to all players anywhere on the field.
“Lowering you head. We have to get it out [of the game],” Riveron said.