Vonta Leach is known for his ability to deliver bone-crushing hits.
The bruising fullback has a well-deserved reputation as a punishing blocker and hard-nosed runner.
But Leach will have to be careful delivering some of those hits next season, as the NFL instituted a new rule last week making it illegal for running backs to lead with the crown of their helmets when colliding with a defender outside the tackle boxes.
"It's crazy, but I think we'll adjust to it and we'll overcome it," Leach said.
The rule was put into place as part of an overall effort by the NFL to make the game safer.
This is the first time that an offensive player can be punished for making helmet-to-helmet contact. Previously, just defensive players could be issued penalties for delivering hits to the head.
The new rule will now allow officials to throw a flag for a 15-yard penalty. If both the offensive and defensive players lead with the crown of their helmets, then both players could be assessed penalties.
While Leach doesn't carry the ball often, he's a heavily-utilized aspect of the passing game coming out of the backfield. He often catches dump-off passes in the flat, and then has a tendency to seek out contact with defensive backs in coverage.
He'll have to be careful about leading with his head to take down the defenders, but overall he doesn't expect to make any big alterations.
"I don't think so," Leach responded when asked if he'll have to change his game. "I don't think it's that big of a deal."
