Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended four games on Monday after he launched himself headfirst into Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday Night Football in Week 12.
The hit was not penalized during the game, but the NFL retroactively disciplined Jackson after reviewing the game film. Jackson was given such a harsh punishment because he is a repeat offender — the safety was previously fined four times, ejected twice and suspended for two games for prior offenses earlier this season.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons came to Jackson’s defense on Twitter/X on Monday.
“This is unbelievable,” Simmons said in response to the suspension. “Dobbs on this play was playing running back. The TE was under center, snapped the ball and tossed it back to Dobbs who isn’t defenseless. On a 3rd and 1, where you’re fighting for every yard, how are we supposed to stop a runner from falling forward?”
Simmons also pointed to a play from earlier this season that he says was a similar hit to Jackson’s. Simmons was not penalized for fined for his hit.
I had a hit similar to this last season vs. the Baltimore Ravens. No flag and no fine. There is no consistency in these calls and there is clearly motive and an agenda with certain players. Bunch of dirty players in our league. Kareem is not one of them. pic.twitter.com/FN15u6O0AO
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) November 20, 2023
Fellow safety P.J. Locke also came to Jackson’s defense:
Teammates. 14+ years in the league and in the backend of his character all the stuff he’s accomplished on and off the field is being darkened. Shit is not right man.
— James "PJ" Locke III (@PjLocke4) November 21, 2023
Denver cornerback Pat Surtain also stood up for his teammate on Twitter.
This league something else lmao ! How you supposed to play ball nowadays ?
— Patrick Surtain (@PatSurtainll) November 20, 2023
And while he did not directly mention Jackson by name, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady also seemingly showed support for hard-hitting defenders in a recent interview on The Stephen A. Smith Show.
Jackson shared part of Brady’s interview on his Twitter page Tuesday:
— Kareem Jackson (@ReemBoi25) November 21, 2023
The Broncos will now have to go forward with Jackson unavailable, and the team is already thin at safety. Locke is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, and Caden Sterns will miss the entire season on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Damn I just wanna play ball
— Caden Sterns (@CSterns_7) November 20, 2023
With limited depth at the position, Denver might consider signing a free agent safety following Jackson’s suspension.
