We have seen plenty of defenders going right to the knees of offensive players because of the league’s rules that encourage defenders from tackling high, which has resulted in a number of severe knee injuries this season.
One player who understands exactly how badly a low hit can hurt your season is Miami Dolphins tight end Dustin Keller, who took a low hit in the preseason that ended his year.
Keller was recently speaking about the low hit that tore New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s ACL and MCL, and he made it clear that it is time for the NFL to step up and defend ball carriers from the low hits that can end your season.
Praying for @RobGronkowski and a speedy recovery and a MAJOR comeback..something has to be done about these low hits!!!
— Dustin Keller (@DUSTINKELLER81) December 9, 2013
Defenders have admitted that they are going low in order to avoid fines and penalties, but the health of players should be the biggest concern.
With the NFL focusing so much on concussions, that will only limit you for a few weeks, players are blowing out their knees and suffering injuries that end their season and potentially alter the path of their careers.
Let’s hope that something can be done in the offseason to address the issue.