Think the NFL has gone soft, implementing too many rules to protect the quarterback? Well, there’s a new league in town, and Saturday night’s Alliance of American Football debut was a doozie.
The inaugural matchup featured the San Antonio Commanders against the San Diego Fleet and was broadcast on CBS.
Former Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici — on his birthday no less — got the starting nod for the Fleet . . . and the hit of a lifetime.
Struggling throughout the contest, Bercovici completed just 15 of 25 passes for 176 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He was also sacked a whopping six times during the three quarters he was on the field before he was benched for the night.
If getting yanked from the game wasn’t bad enough, check out this hit courtesy of San Antonio’s Shaan Washington. Good gracious.
It seems Bercovici suffered no more than a bruised ego Saturday night.
“Thanks for all the birthday love everyone!!” he tweeted after the game. “Not the outcome we wanted tonight on the gridiron, but I can’t thank everyone enough who has helped me get to this point in my career. It’s simple… you get knocked down and you get your ass right up!! #NoExcuses”
Despite getting right up, Bercovici will be replaced by Philip Nelson as the Fleet’s starting quarterback.
