Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact
Definition
It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. The rule applies to all players on the field at all times, and contact does not have to be to an opponent's head or neck area; lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent's torso, hips or lower body is also a penalty.
Outcome
15 yards. If committed on defense; automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.
2021 Stats
- View Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact Penalties By:
- Teams
- Teams - Per Game
- Player
- Position
- Week
- Down and Distance
- Referee/Crew
- Complete Penalty Log
- Season
Penalty Log
| Against | Beneficiary | Date | Player | Pos | Ref Crew | Week | Quarter | Time | Down | Distance | Yardage | Declined | Offsetting | Home | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Tampa Bay | 10/14/21 | M.Sanders | RB | Clay Martin | 6 | 1 | 07:06 | 1 | 10 | 15 | No | No | Yes | Offense |
| Totals | 1 | 1 | 10 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 |