The Horse Collar Will Be the End of Roy Williams

The horse collar rule in the NFL is a bit confounding. It’s rarely enforced, and was only created after a “star” player (Roy Williams) injured another star player (Terrell Owens) in the first place. There is nothing inherently unfair about the tackle, the rule exists only for safety’s sake. But it doesn’t really appear to me that the horse collar tackle is especially more dangerous than any other tackle. Especially considering how rarely it is called. The refs have essentially decided that they’re not going to call it anyways. It just seems odd to me that something went from being legal, to a 15-yard penalty. Also, horses don’t wear shirts, so how can they have collars?

But still, the horse collar rule is in effect, although it may be the first rule in the history of the NFL that is only called against a single player. Roy Williams (the defensive back, not he wide receiver) was flagged for the third time this year this week. He’s suspended, pending appeal, for the next game without pay. I’m starting to feel a little bad for Roy Williams. He’s a defensive back, but he can’t cover people and the way he tackles is illegal. Now what is he good for?