Denver Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson has been suspended four games without pay following a controversial hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs Sunday (November 19) night.
Jackson's punishment stems from "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," which included the hit on Dobbs during the Broncos' 21-20 'Sunday Night Football' win.
"With 13:38 remaining in the first quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of playing rules," NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan wrote in a letter to Jackson. "The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.
"Illegal acts that are flagrant and jeopardize the safety of players will not be tolerated. The League will continue to stress enforcement of the rules that prohibit using your helmet to make forcible contact with your opponent. 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."
Jackson was previously suspended four games for violations of unnecessary roughness rules stemming from an incident in the Broncos' Week 7 win against the Green Bay Packers, though his punishment was later reduced to two games by hearing officer and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players Association. The veteran defensive back was also ejected from Denver's Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders for a similarly flagrant hit, which also resulted in a fine.
Jackson will be eligible to return to the Broncos' active roster for their Week 15 game against the Detroit Lions, but could appeal the suspension in adherence with the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, which would then be decided by Brooks or fellow NFL-NFLPA hearing officer James Thrash.
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