Following his headfirst collision with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday Night Football in Week 11, the NFL announced on Monday that Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has been suspended for four games.
This substantial penalty is a consequence of Jackson’s repeated infractions. Earlier in the season, the veteran safety had incurred four fines totaling $89,670 for unnecessary roughness, leading to a suspension after his fifth offense last month. Jackson had also been ejected from two games.
Initially, Jackson was handed a four-game suspension in October after his fifth offense, but this was later reduced to two games following his appeal. He intends to appeal the recent suspension as well. If the suspension is upheld, Jackson will be eligible to return in Week 16 against the New England Patriots.
In his first game back from the previous two-game suspension, Jackson collided with Dobbs on Sunday night. Although the hit was not penalized during the game, the NFL retrospectively issued punishment after reviewing the footage.
Jackson has faced criticism for his repeated offenses, but teammate Justin Simmons has defended him, asserting that Jackson is not a dirty player. Last month, Jackson expressed that he does not intend to harm others maliciously and pledged to alter his playing style, aiming for lower tackles after his initial suspension.
Despite these statements, the NFL maintains that actions speak louder than words.
During Jackson’s prior suspension, P.J. Locke stepped in at strong safety. With Jackson sidelined once again, the Broncos are hopeful that Locke, recovering from an ankle injury, will swiftly return to his starting role. Denver is set to host the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, health permitting.