The NFL and NFL Players Association released a joint announcement on Wednesday, revealing new disciplinary rules meant to emphasize player safety ahead of the 2026 season. Under these new rules, players who commit three violations in any of these five categories will receive a one-game suspension: Teams were briefed on these changes during Wednesday's league meeting in Atlanta. "The goal is simple: make the game safer by focusing discipline on the techniques most likely to result in player injury rather than players who make isolated mistakes during competition," the NFL's statement reads.
These violations will carry over from year-to-year. However, all players will start the 2026 season with a clean slate. Players will still receive fines for violations.
But if a player commits just one violation in a season, they'll get 50% of their fine back at the end of the year. "This approach distinguishes between isolated mistakes and repeated conduct that jeopardizes the health and safety of players," the league added. "Player safety is a shared responsibility.
These changes focus on the techniques that create the greatest risk while ensuring player, coach, and club accountability. "Together, we believe this approach will continue to make the game safer for all players."
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