 That action and the season-ending injury that resulted led to the NFL instituting the "Hines Ward Rule"  after the season, whereby it would henceforth be illegal for blockers to land a blindside block using their helmet, forearm or shoulder, to strike at the head or neck area of a defender.Despite missing the final nine games, Rivers finished his rookie season with 37 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble.Rivers received the only vote for 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year that didn't go to winner Jerod Mayo.