In a recent interview, NFL legend Tom Brady proposed an intriguing idea to reduce the risk of late hits on quarterbacks: he suggested that quarterbacks should be fined or penalized for sliding too late during plays. Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest signal-callers in football history, believes this adjustment could help protect defensive players from being flagged for unnecessary roughness, while simultaneously safeguarding quarterbacks from late, dangerous hits.
Quarterbacks often employ a slide as a way to avoid getting hit, particularly when they’re nearing the end of a scramble or a run. However, the timing of a quarterback’s slide is crucial. If a quarterback slides late — after a defender has already committed to a tackle — it can lead to collisions that might result in penalties for roughing the passer or personal fouls. These penalties can have significant consequences for the game, frustrating defenses and potentially altering the course of a drive.
Brady’s idea stems from his own experiences as a quarterback and his understanding of the nuances of playing in the NFL. The idea is to encourage quarterbacks to slide earlier to avoid putting defenders in a difficult position where they have to make a split-second decision about whether or not to hit the quarterback. Late slides, according to Brady, increase the likelihood of a defensive player making contact with a quarterback after he has already begun his descent to the ground, leading to flagrant penalties and unnecessary injuries.
In his comments, Brady acknowledged that defensive players face a unique challenge in protecting themselves and playing within the rules. The NFL has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting quarterbacks, especially with an increasing focus on player safety. By proposing fines or penalties for late sliding, Brady aims to strike a balance between protecting quarterbacks and ensuring fairness for defenders, who are often put in difficult situations.
Critics may argue that such a proposal could penalize quarterbacks for instinctively trying to avoid hits, but Brady believes it could ultimately create a safer, more consistent playing environment. Whether or not the league embraces Brady’s suggestion remains to be seen, but his proposal highlights the ongoing conversation around how to better protect players, especially quarterbacks while preserving the integrity of the game.
Tom Brady Proposes Fining Quarterbacks for Late Sliding