NFL suspends Broncos safety Kareem Jackson

The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson for four games due to multiple unnecessary roughness violations.

Kareem Jackson, safety for the Denver Broncos, has been suspended for four games by the NFL due to a series of unnecessary roughness violations. The suspension will begin on Sunday when the Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs. This means that Jackson will also miss games against notable quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Kirk Cousins, and Deshaun Watson.

Jackson's suspension comes after he was ejected from the Broncos' win over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. He made a hit on Luke Musgrave, leading with his helmet and making contact with the facemask of the Packers' tight end. This was his second ejection of the season.

In addition to the ejections, Jackson has been fined for unnecessary roughness violations in four of the first six games this season. The total amount of fines he has received is $89,670. With his suspension, he will also lose $558,889 in salary, bringing the total amount he has been docked this season to $648,559.

The NFL vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, wrote a letter to Jackson stating that he had delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of a defenseless receiver when he had the opportunity to avoid such contact. Runyan also noted that Jackson has had multiple incidents this season for violating personal safety-related rules.

Former Packers star safety, LeRoy Butler, commented on Jackson's suspension, stating that the league is trying to clean up hits to the head or neck area. He emphasized the importance of becoming a tackler rather than a hitter to avoid costly consequences.

This season, Jackson has been penalized and fined for illegal hits on Jakobi Meyers and Logan Thomas, resulting in concussions for both players. Despite not being penalized, he was fined for unnecessary roughness after games against Miami and Kansas City.

During his suspension, Jackson will be replaced in the lineup by P.J. Locke, who had a game-clinching interception against the Packers.

The Broncos have not yet commented on Jackson's suspension, and coach Sean Payton spoke about the situation, stating that they are constantly working with and educating players on proper techniques. He defended Jackson, stating that his head was removed from forceable contact in the recent hit.

Wade Phillips, former Broncos head coach and defensive coordinator, coached Jackson during his time with the Houston Texans. Phillips believes that NFL rules put aggressive players like Jackson in a difficult position, but also acknowledged the need for player safety.

Despite differing opinions, it is clear that proper tackling techniques are essential to avoid unnecessary roughness penalties and potential injuries. Some players may struggle to break the habit of going for big hits, but ultimately, using proper technique will benefit both the player and the team.