Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has been hit with another suspension by the NFL. This comes after Jackson’s illegal hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs during Sunday night’s game. The league considers the hit a serious violation of the playing rules, citing forcible contact to Dobbs’ head and neck area. This is actually Jackson’s second suspension of the season for repeated illegal hits to opponents’ heads.
Officials did not flag Jackson for the hit on Dobbs, which helped dislodge the ball and led to a forced turnover for the Broncos. However, the NFL did not turn a blind eye to the incident. Alongside the announcement of Jackson’s suspension, the league also shared a letter from vice president of football operations Jon Runyan.
In that letter, Runyan emphasized the seriousness of Jackson’s actions and stressed the importance of player safety. He explained that the suspension was necessary to send a message that the NFL will not tolerate such dangerous plays on the field.
This isn’t the first time Jackson has faced disciplinary action this season. In October, he was suspended for four games following his second ejection. During that game, Jackson’s hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave resulted in his ejection and subsequent suspension.
But the trouble didn’t end there. In Week 2, Jackson was also ejected for a hit on Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas, which resulted in a concussion. The NFL fined Jackson for both hits on Thomas and Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers earlier in the season.
Interestingly, this season alone, Jackson has been fined a whopping $89,670 for a total of four illegal hits. The combination of repeated offenses and hefty fines raises concerns about Jackson’s approach to the game and the potential harm he may cause to opponents.
For now, the Broncos will have to navigate the next four games without their star safety. Jackson’s absence will be sorely felt on the field, and it remains to be seen whether he will learn from these suspensions and make the necessary adjustments to his playing style.
As the NFL takes a strong stance against dangerous plays and player safety becomes an even greater priority, it is crucial for all players to understand and adhere to the league’s rules. Only then can the game be enjoyed without risking unnecessary harm to the athletes involved.
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