NFL horse collar rules, explained

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White was called for a horse collar penalty during Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

One of the more exciting games of Sunday’s slate of Week 8 games was the battle between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Saints staved off a late comeback attempt by the defending Super Bowl champions, but there was one play that stuck out for the game.

In the second quarter, Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was brought down by the arm by  Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, resulting in him getting carted to the locker room with what was revealed to be a torn ACL. Following the play, White was called for a horse collar tackle penalty.

So what is a horse collar tackle penalty, you ask? We have you covered.

NFL horse collar rules, explained

A horse collar tackle is when a defender pulls a player down to the ground by the inside of the collar or the side of the shoulder pads or jersey. If the on-field official deems that a player has committed a horse collar tackle, they will be assessed a 15-yard penalty and the opposing team will receive an automatic first down.

Here is the official explanations of the rule, courtesy of NFL Football Operations:

"No player shall grab the inside collar of the back or the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, or grab the jersey at the name plate or above, and pull the runner toward the ground. This does not apply to a runner who is in the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket.Note: It is not necessary for a player to pull the runner completely to the ground in order for the act to be illegal. If his knees are buckled by the action, it is a foul, even if the runner is not pulled completely to the ground."

Based off the official ruling, this is why White was called for the horse collar penalty and the Saints were rewarded with 15-yards and an automatic first down.