NFL players are used to pregame trash talk. It’s almost expected at this point. But what about former players doing pregame coverage for NFL Network getting into it with players?
That would have to be a first.
Former NFL receiver and five-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith Sr. was working sideline coverage ahead of Thursday’s game between the Chiefs and Broncos when Smith and Denver receiver Jerry Jeudy had an apparent exchange off camera.
When it came time for Smith to go on the air, he explained what went down from his perspective and proceeded to go off on the Broncos receiver. It was absolutely wild to hear.
.@SteveSmithSr89 tells it like it is 🗣️
Sound up for this one 🔊@MikeGarafolo | @RealMikeRob | @BuckyBrooks | @RhettNFL pic.twitter.com/xc7d2uKljh
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) October 12, 2023
Smith admitted that he had criticized Jeudy in the past but wanted to offer Jeudy some encouragement before this game. Jeudy, though, wasn’t in the mood to hear any of it and dismissed Smith right there on the spot.
Smith went on to say:
“I hope today that you actually show up in a way that you haven’t showed up in the last couple years since they drafted you. So if you ever have a problem with Agent 89, I’m sorry for saying that you’re an average wide receiver that will eventually move on. And when teams call me asking if they should trade for you, I will say, ‘No. Don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy because he’s mentally unable to handle constructive criticism from people.’ … Can he be a wide receiver? He can be a wide receiver. He’s a tier 3. Go back into the studio. I’m done now. Thank you.”
And he dropped the mic.
Predictably, NFL fans were stunned with those remarks on air. Just whoa.
This was how Twitter reacted
Only Jerry Jeudy can hurt his trade value before the game even starts. https://t.co/ELewnRSB4d
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) October 12, 2023
Seriously. Listen to where this goes. Incredible! LOL https://t.co/xxBQr5a23c
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) October 12, 2023
Jerry Jeudy took a nasty hit before the game … https://t.co/QRHjNQ84D1
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 12, 2023
Steve has a few opinions of #broncos WR Jerry Jeudy pregame. Oh boy. https://t.co/ybuNS8X0Hw
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) October 12, 2023
This is good television but also wildly unprofessional if you're going to work in media? https://t.co/0o41j8i3eE
— David Ubben (@davidubben) October 12, 2023
My God. Steve just cooked. Roasted. Sautéed Jerry Jeudy https://t.co/ej3X0AvgdT
— Dante' Jones (@Dantej21) October 12, 2023
I take it back, you can’t trade for Jerry Jeudy anymore. Steve Smith just ended his career https://t.co/STqemrMxqn
— Pat Lane (@plane_pats) October 12, 2023
Jerry Jeudy needs to grow up. This is a terrible look. You’re supposed to be a pro. Criticism is part of the game and he can’t handle it. At all. Wow. https://t.co/lKjQuCN9BH
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 12, 2023
Oh my https://t.co/76jAGzVSSh
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 12, 2023
