Just seconds away from a huge win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett shifted the tone of Thursday Night Football, his reputation and the remainder of the season in a single moment.
Garrett slammed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph to the turf before Rudolph grabbed at Garrett’s helmet. Garrett then stood up and pulled Rudolph up by his helmet before ripping it off the quarterback’s head. As Steelers offensive lineman David DeCastro started to push the pass rusher back, Garrett slammed the helmet into the top of Rudolph’s head.
Garrett’s horrific act immediately led to more players rushing towards him as two of Pittsburgh’s offensive linemen immediately took him to the ground. Center Maurkice Pouncey came in and started punching and kicking Garrett while he was pinned to the ground and both players were ejected.
The NFL will almost certainly take swift action against Garrett for his indefensible actions. We’ve seen players suspended multiple games for intentionally stomping on an opponent, Garrett’s actions are far worse.
Cleveland might have won on Thursday Night Football and improved to 4-6 on the season, but Garrett’s availability for the remainder of the year could be in serious jeopardy.