One Denver Broncos player has learned a tough lesson regarding how quickly the NFL has shifted its stance on hard tackles.
It seems like yesterday that ESPN had the “Jacked Up” segment where analysts celebrated ball carriers getting absolutely destroyed by defensive players. While I will admit at the time I thought the segment to be entertaining, it has certainly not aged well in an era where player safety is the most important thing in the game today. While it is clear that the old style of play has gone by the wayside, I am skeptical that the NFL actually cares about player safety.
Denver Broncos Kareem Jackson Defends Himself Against the NFL
Denver safety Kareem Jackson has been renowned since he entered the league in 2010 as a force over the middle. These punishers used to be their own class of player before rule changes regarding defenseless receivers have completely wiped them off the face of the map. Jackson appears to be one last old schooler trying to make it in the modern game.
For reference, Jackson is currently serving his second suspension of the season as he was suspended for a hard hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs in Week 11. According to Jackson, the hit earned him a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell where he was essentially scolded for his style of play. While it is clear that Jackson is a dinosaur that will struggle under the current rule changes, the commissioner seems to have taken this a step too far by intentionally punishing one player.
“I was told that I’m responsible for the offensive guys’ protection,” Jackson said Monday night prior to attending a philanthropic event that he hosts for the Boys and Girls Club through his charity.
“So, I’m not really sure how I protect myself, make plays and protect them, as well. But that’s what I was told. And I’m not really sure what I do moving forward as far as playing this game. So, hopefully I’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, I’m going to go out and I’ll play the game as I have since 2010,” Jackson said.
The suspensions against Jackson have clearly been intended by Goodell to make an example of Jackson rather than to actual make any impact to the player. It has become apparent by the actions of the league over the past several years that their sole focus is protecting their brand and not protecting their players. The new rule changes only came after it has become widely publicized that Goodell and the NFL suppressed research into TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) and other research suggesting the sport is responsible for chronic health effects in its players down the line.
“For me, I guess, lowering my target [zone] even more than I have,” Jackson said. “As far as trying to protect the guy on the other side, it’s impossible. I have no clue as to how I’m supposed to do that.”
The flip side to Jackson making a stand against Goodell and the NFL is that he is also a key player on a team that is fighting for its life to earn a playoff spot. Luckily for Jackson, Denver has managed to play well in his absence and is currently only sitting at one game outside of the AFC West as division rival Kansas City Chiefs have seemed to spiral out of control in recent weeks.
“I told him a lot of these are incidental contact,” too, Jackson argued. “Once I’m committed and I’m going, I can’t change.” Besides, Jackson said, “I’m the last line of defense. It’s my job to get him down.'”
Jackson, 35, has struggled to make the changes necessary to thrive in the modern game. While I do believe that the NFL is unfairly making an example of the veteran safety, it would probably be best for Jackson to retire and just accept that this is a completely different game than the one he was drafted into 13 years ago.
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