The NFL and college football have some key distinctions in their rules. One of those involves targeting, which is a significant penalty in both leagues but carries different consequences.
Below we explain the NFL rules and guidelines around its version of targeting and how it differs from the NCAA version.
Explaining the NFL’s Rules Around Targeting
Targeting exists specifically to protect defenseless players from dangerous hits, particularly those that lead to head and neck injuries.
In the NCAA, targeting carries an automatic review that, if upheld, leads to a player’s ejection from the game (in addition to a 15-yard penalty). If the targeting penalty occurs in the second half, the ejected player is also suspended for the first half of the following game.
The NFL does not specifically have a penalty dubbed “targeting,” but there is very similar language in its rulebook around unnecessary roughness.
Specifically, NFL referees are instructed to call a 15-yard penalty “if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.”
This effectively mimics the targeting rule, although there is no automatic review and ejection in the NFL. However, the option to eject a player is still on the table if the foul is egregious enough. A controversial example of this came in Week 9 when Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected for a hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton.
Here's the full sequence of Brian Branch getting ejected. Don't think anyone saw an ejection coming here.
Seems to be very bang-bang. Thoughts?pic.twitter.com/bRql8QLAVG https://t.co/ewNOUd9jN4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2024
Unlike the NCAA, the NFL also retains its ability to fine and suspend its players. As a first-time violator, Branch was fined $10,128 for the hit specifically (his actual fines paid from the game was $20,256 since he also flipped double middle fingers while leaving the game).
This gives the NFL the ability to impose escalating fines for repeat offenders, though fines for unnecessary roughness can be overturned upon appeal. An infamous example was former linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who racked up over $415,000 in fines and six games worth of suspensions during his NFL career.
Given that the rule is in place to promote player safety and address football’s longstanding struggle with head trauma, there’s no question about its necessity. But as with any subjective penalty, there will almost always be controversy and uncertainty for these snap judgment decisions.