Credit: USA Today Sports
Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon spoke out on Thursday, raising concerns about the NFL’s approach to player safety. Mixon, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with an ankle injury, questioned the league’s priorities when it comes to protecting players.
Frustration Over Fines for Illegal Hits
Mixon sustained an injury in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears after linebacker T.J. Edwards tackled him using the banned hip-drop tackle. Edwards didn’t receive a penalty for the play.
“I was the No. 1 leader in rushing. But I was stopped because of that weak-ass hip-drop tackle,” Mixon said Thursday. “I can’t do nothing about that. It’s frustrating, it is what it is. I want to be out there more than anybody.”
Mixon, a former Pro Bowler, expressed frustration that Edwards received only a $16,883 fine for the tackle, while other players faced higher fines for trying to protect themselves.
For example, Texans wide receiver Nico Collins received a $22,511 fine for unnecessary roughness after dipping his helmet during a collision in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Similarly, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs and Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet each received $45,020 fines for similar plays in recent games.
“You’ve got guys out here protecting themselves from hits, and the league is fining them $45,000 and $50,000,” Mixon said. “For an illegal hip drop tackle, the fine is $16,000, even though it supposed to be an emphasis and taken out of the game.” So obviously the priorities ain’t right with what’s going on. It is frustrating to see, but it is what it is. If we’re going to talk about playing the game the right way, we got to have integrity for the game when it comes to it.”
Injury Impact and Uncertain Return
Mixon had an impressive start to the season, earning AFC Player of the Week honors for his Week 1 performance, where he rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown in the Texans’ 29-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
However, he hasn’t played since getting injured in Week 2. Although he practiced on September 27 before the Texans’ Week 4 game against the Jaguars, the team ruled him out hours before kickoff and didn’t practice again until Thursday. He’s still uncertain about playing this Sunday against the New England Patriots.
“I think we’ll probably go through practice tomorrow, see what’s going on and come up with a decision on whether to go or whether to just wait another week,” Mixon said.
Mixon Speaks Out on Social Media
Mixon has been vocal on social media about his disappointment with the NFL and NFLPA’s approach to player safety. After the Texans’ 19-13 win over the Bears, he took to social media to express his frustrations.
“The NFL and NFLPA made it a rule and an emphasis for a reason,” Mixon wrote shortly after the game ended. “Time to put your money where your mouth is.”
He added that after his injury, he asked the official, “Where’s the flag? That was a hip-drop tackle,” but the ref responded, “No, it wasn’t.”
On October 4, Mixon also responded to a post by the NFLPA’s Executive Committee about media access, writing, “Player safety should be the focus, not media access.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
