NFL EVP Troy Vincent reiterates hip-drop tackle is 'something we want to get out of the game'

The looming vote on two notable rule-change proposals prompted an NFL Players Association objection on Wednesday. On Thursday, the NFL delivered its response.

During a conference call ahead of the Annual League Meeting -- in which owners will vote on 10 proposed changes -- NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent reiterated the importance of a player safety-focused change, again stressing the hip-drop tackle is "something we want to get out of the game."

"The greatest asset for any athlete is durability and availability," Vincent elaborated, via ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "When you have a play that has a 20-25 times the injury rate, it doesn't allow you to fulfill your dreams."

These comments followed the NFLPA's Thursday statement on the proposed change, in which the union said "the players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a 'swivel hip-drop' tackle," citing concerns regarding confusion for players, coaches, officials and fans. In closing, the NFLPA asked the league to reconsider implementing the rule.

The NFL has taken steps to improve player safety significantly over the last 15 or so years, maintaining a constant focus on removing head impact from the game while driving helmet technology innovation. It appears the league aims to do the same with the hip-drop tackle.

The NFLPA's concern focuses on what it sees as a nearly impossible rule to enforce without both increasing the difficulty for all NFL defenders and avoiding confusion. NFL competition committee chairman, Rich McKay, attempted to clear up said confusion by further explaining the league's process regarding the hip-drop tackle rule proposal.

"This is a specific type [of] a tackle where a player grabs and unweights