Vontaze Burfict will never change. He does not deserve to keep playing in the NFL.The Oakland Raiders linebacker has a long history of trying to hurt his opponents with egregious, dirty hits.
His latest brutal and dangerous hit came Sunday to the head of Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle. Doyle had gotten on one knee to make a catch on a low throw, and as he stood in an attempt to advance the ball, Burfict came flying in. The linebacker launched himself with his head forward, making contact with Doyle’s helmet.
It was so glaringly illegal that NFL officials will probably use this play as an example of how not to tackle in the coming years. The officials quickly ejected him from the game.
It’s clear Burfict is a danger to every player that he faces, and because he is careless — or perhaps intentionally hazardous — with the safety of his fellow players, the NFL should consider banning him or placing him on an indefinite suspension.
Burfict’s history of illegal and downright dirty plays is long. He infamously head hunted receiver Antonio Brown in the playoffs following the 2015 season. But at that point, he was only beginning to earn his reputation as the NFL’s dirtiest player. He has also gotten in trouble for stepping on former Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount’s leg and for twisting the ankles of Panther quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen.
His rule-breaking has cost him 10 games and roughly $4.12 million — with this most recent offense likely to increase that tally.
