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Steelers’ Patrick Queen And Ryan Clark Have Passionate Response To Hip-Drop Tackle Ban: 'Make Every Game The Pro Bowl'
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant addition to their roster this offseason by signing Patrick Queen to a lucrative three-year contract worth $41 million. Queen's arrival has generated considerable excitement and lofty expectations among Steelers fans. Eager to embrace the role of a villain in Pittsburgh, he is determined to make an immediate impact on the team.

On Monday morning, Ian Rapoport reported that the NFL has banned the hip-drop tackle, according to a source. 

The decision was unanimous among the Competition Committee. Queen wasted no time in taking to social media to share his candid thoughts about the rule change.

Queen embodies an aggressive style of football, characterized by hard hits and relentless determination. At just 24 years old, he's a formidable linebacker who consistently puts his body on the line for the game. His work ethic is unparalleled, driving him to constantly seek out the action on the field. A true inspiration to his defensive teammates, Queen has the ability to change the course of a game with his impactful plays.

In a light-hearted moment, he jokingly predicts that two-hand touch might be the next step in the NFL's quest to balance safety with preserving the essence of the game. This jest reflects a sentiment often echoed as the league navigates the delicate balance between ensuring player well-being and maintaining the sport's inherent intensity.

Another Steeler voiced his opinion on the matter, none other than the former hard-hitting safety, Ryan Clark. Clark's playing days were marked by a time when players could inflict significant pain on their opponents within the bounds of the rules. While he acknowledges the importance of player safety and respects the changes that have been made since his retirement, he finds himself opposed to this particular rule change.

During his tenure with the Steelers, Clark was a dominant force, playing a pivotal role in the defense's success. However, if he were to play football in today's era, he would need to adapt his playing style significantly to avoid incurring heavy fines. The game has undergone substantial changes aimed at reducing injuries.

It's always intriguing to hear perspectives from both former and current players. Balancing the need to change rules for the betterment of overall well-being with preserving the essence of the game that fans love remains a challenging endeavor.


Steelers Fan JJ Watt Mocks The NFL For Rule Change

Former NFL star JJ Watt, brother to Steelers linebacker TJ Watt, recently took to social media to vent his frustration over the NFL's rule changes as well. Known for his passionate advocacy for player safety and fairness, JJ Watt didn't hold back in expressing his concerns. 

In his statement, JJ joked about how the game needs to fast forward to belts with flags on them - implying that the rule change is making the game close to flag football. He gets it—safety matters—but he worries that tweaking the rules too much might take away from what makes football, well, football. 

It's not just about the game; it's about the passion, the intensity, and the thrill of watching athletes give it their all on the field. And JJ Watt's not alone in his concerns; many former and current players share his sentiments, fearing that too many changes might water down the game's essence. As the debate rages on, JJ Watt's honest words serve as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue about where the NFL is headed and what truly matters in the game we all love.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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