Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson has admitted that he blames himself for the new NFL rule banning runners or tacklers from using their helmet to fend off opponents when outside the tackling box.

Richardson's hit last season on Philadelphia Eagles' Kurt Coleman was the league's main example of why such tackles should be banned, and as such the player said that is has been dubbed the "T-Rich Rule".

"I feel like I made it bad for all the backs," Cleveland.com quotes Richardson as saying. "I feel like it's my fault.

"People keep telling me it's the T-Rich rule. I guess I made history today.

"I know why they did it, but I won't say that I fully agree with it. I'm not saying it's a dumb rule, but the backs are all talking about it and it's kind of hard on us."

Richardson ran for 11 touchdowns and 950 yards for the Browns last season.

Written by
Matt Domm