Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson (number 22) expresses frustration after being ejected from the NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Denver. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson four-game suspension stands firm as hearing officer Derrick Brooks rejects his appeal on Tuesday.
Impact on Broncos’ Schedule
The suspension, resulting from Jackson’s hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs, will keep him sidelined for crucial matchups against the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, and Detroit Lions. The earliest he can return is in Week 16, during a Christmas Eve home game against the New England Patriots.
Timeline of Events
This decision comes after Jackson’s attempt to have the suspension reduced was turned down by Brooks, who earlier this season had reduced a four-game suspension to two games upon appeal. The recent game against the Vikings marked Jackson’s return from that previous suspension.
Reasoning Behind Suspension
The incident occurred within the first two minutes of Sunday’s game when Jackson, a 14-year veteran in his fifth season with the Broncos, used his helmet to hit Dobbs. Dobbs, serving as a running back on the play, fumbled after receiving a pitch from Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. Dobbs underwent a concussion check but was later cleared to reenter the game.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan notified Jackson of the suspension on Monday morning, expressing dissatisfaction with the hit. Runyan’s letter stated,”on the play in question, you lowered your head and delivered a forceful blow to the shoulder and head/neck area of an opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact. You could have made contact with your opponent within the rules, yet you chose not to.”
Financial Ramifications
With the upheld four-game suspension, Jackson will forfeit a significant $559,889 in salary. His disciplinary record includes four fines this season for unnecessary roughness, totaling $89,670, and ejections from two games.
Player Response and Team Dynamics
In the lead-up to this decision, Jackson engaged with league officials last week to seek “clarity” on tackling rules, including those plays that led to his previous penalties. Teammates, particularly safety Justin Simmons, rallied behind Jackson after the league’s recent letter announcing the suspension. Simmons vehemently opposed the notion that Jackson is a dirty player, challenging the narrative fueled by fines and ejections.
