The NFL levied a hefty punishment on a Washington Commanders veteran for his actions against Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has been suspended for one game after his illegal tackle against the Seahawks.
“Commanders LB Frankie Luvu has been suspended without pay for one game for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Seattle,” Schefter detailed in a November 3, 2025, message on X. “This is Luvu’s third hip-drop tackle of the season. He was previously fined for actions in Week 4 and Week 8.”
The play fell in line with the league’s new ban on hip-drop tackles. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo provided additional context, noting that the play came on a tackle against Smith-Njigba.
“The hip-drop tackle that led to Commanders LB Frankie Luvu’s suspension is on the hip-drop tackle of JSN on second-and-17 with 8:01 to go in the first quarter here,” Garafolo noted on November 3.
Here’s what you need to know about the NFL’s punishment decision following the Seahawks-Commanders game.
Commanders LB Frankie Luvu Received a 1-Game Suspension With Pay After Illegal Tackle on Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Luvu’s suspension was not just about his play against the Seahawks star. This marks the third time the Commanders defender has been disciplined for a hip-drop tackle this season. Here’s a look at the play that proved to be the illegal tackle that prompted the NFL to drop the hammer.
Not only is Luvu being suspended, but the linebacker will not receive pay during the suspension. The good news is that Luvu is on a three-year, $31 million contract, so the veteran can afford to lose a little money.
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