Posted on Nov 05

Luvu avoids suspension despite $100K fine for repeated hip-drop tackle violations

Posted Nov 5, 2025

The Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu will not face a suspension despite recent penalties for violating the NFL's hip-drop tackle rule.

Why it matters: This decision is significant for both Luvu and the Commanders as they navigate a challenging season.

Luvu was at risk of losing a game check worth $508,333, which could have impacted his financial status significantly.
The Commanders are struggling with a record of 3-6 and have suffered multiple injuries to key defensive players, making Luvu’s presence on the field even more critical.

What’s new: Luvu has been fined a total of $100,000 following three violations of the hip-drop tackle rule, with the most recent infraction occurring during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.

His fines include $23,186 in Week 4 and $46,372 in Week 8.
Tackling receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba was the basis of the latest ruling that contributed to this penalty.

By the numbers: The cumulative financial impact of these infractions illustrates the NFL's stringent approach towards player safety.

Luvu's penalties total $100,000 over the course of the season, reflecting an escalating pattern of violations.
He remains a key player for the Commanders, especially as they grapple with injuries to other starters, including starting corner Marshon Lattimore, who recently suffered a season-ending torn ACL.

What to watch: As the Commanders continue their season, Luvu's performance will be under scrutiny, especially given the NFL's focus on player safety.

With Lavu remaining eligible to play, his ability to adapt his tackling technique may be pivotal in upcoming games.
The Commanders need every available asset as they look to break a four-game losing streak.

The bottom line: While Luvu narrowly avoided suspension, the financial repercussions and ongoing scrutiny from the league underline the challenges facing players within the evolving landscape of NFL regulations.

The Commanders defense, already undermined by injuries to other key players, will rely heavily on Luvu's contributions as they seek to turn their season around.

Luvu avoids suspension despite $100K fine for repeated hip-drop tackle violations

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 5, 2025

The Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu will not face a suspension despite recent penalties for violating the NFL's hip-drop tackle rule.

Why it matters: This decision is significant for both Luvu and the Commanders as they navigate a challenging season.

Luvu was at risk of losing a game check worth $508,333, which could have impacted his financial status significantly.

The Commanders are struggling with a record of 3-6 and have suffered multiple injuries to key defensive players, making Luvu’s presence on the field even more critical.

What’s new: Luvu has been fined a total of $100,000 following three violations of the hip-drop tackle rule, with the most recent infraction occurring during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.

His fines include $23,186 in Week 4 and $46,372 in Week 8.

Tackling receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba was the basis of the latest ruling that contributed to this penalty.

By the numbers: The cumulative financial impact of these infractions illustrates the NFL's stringent approach towards player safety.

Luvu's penalties total $100,000 over the course of the season, reflecting an escalating pattern of violations.

He remains a key player for the Commanders, especially as they grapple with injuries to other starters, including starting corner Marshon Lattimore, who recently suffered a season-ending torn ACL.

What to watch: As the Commanders continue their season, Luvu's performance will be under scrutiny, especially given the NFL's focus on player safety.

With Lavu remaining eligible to play, his ability to adapt his tackling technique may be pivotal in upcoming games.

The Commanders need every available asset as they look to break a four-game losing streak.

The Commanders defense, already undermined by injuries to other key players, will rely heavily on Luvu's contributions as they seek to turn their season around.