The NFL has passed a rule for this season that says any player who initiates contact with his helmet is subject to ejection after an in-game video review that will be decided in New York.
Al Riveron, the league’s head of officiating, said a foul can be called regardless of where on the body — not just the head or neck area — that one player hits another with his helmet. The rule is not position-specific, so offensive players will be subject to the same criteria as defensive players.
“This is about eliminating unnecessary use of the helmet,” Riveron said Tuesday at the NFL spring meetings.