Zach Wilson, the New York Jets starting quarterback in the absence of Aaron Rodgers, has been in a negative limelight for his lackluster performance on offense. From Joe Namath to Rodney Harrison, the signal-caller had to digest terrible backlash for failing to lead the Jets this season.
However, Harrison hit below the belt by making very derogatory remarks about Wilson and also trying to indirectly involve the Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle in his dig. The Jets QB might not do well in the first three games, but his performance in week 4 was praiseworthy, and hence, fans did not like the unnecessary digs aimed at him, especially the personal jabs.
Who is Rodney Harrison?
Former NFL standout Rodney played as a Safety for 15 seasons and had a successful career with the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots. After being selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 1994 NFL Draft, he began his career with them. He spent the first nine years of his professional career with the Chargers, where he had a major impact on their defense. After this astounding run, he moved on to the New England Patriots, where he maintained his stellar football career for another six years.
The veteran had enjoyed a successful career throughout his nearly two-decade career and was selected to two Pro Bowls. He witnessed two Super Bowl titles (XXXVIII, XXXIX) with the Patriots in 2004 and 2005. Besides these, the former Chargers star is a two-time First-team All-Pro and one-time Second-team All-Pro.
After deciding to end his professional football journey in 2009, Harrison decided to use his sports acumen by starting a career in sports media. The ex-Patriots star became an NFL analyst for NBC Sports to join the cast of the “Football Night in America” broadcast.
Rodney Harrison faces massive backlash for baiting Chris Jones to criticize Zach Wilson
During NBC’s Sunday Night Football postgame show, Harrison asked Jones to share his thoughts on Wilson’s play, using leading questions that seemed designed to elicit a negative assessment of the Jets star. He asked Chris whether or not Gang Green’s QB had performed better in the Jets vs. Chiefs game than what the DT anticipated he would be watching on tape.
Kansas City’s veteran didn’t fall into the trap, instead, he heaped praise on the third-year dual-threat saying he had been getting better day by day while describing him as “special”. Nevertheless, the analyst didn’t stop there, and continued taking jab at Zach saying disgusting things like he is a “garbage” and that he should be torn apart.
This didn’t go unnoticed by the viewers as they quickly pointed out that the former footballer’s line of questioning appeared to be aimed at fueling controversy rather than fostering insightful analysis.
Even the Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parson couldn’t keep calm following the incident and took to social media saying Rodney should focus on the Chiefs’ win instead of tearing apart Wilson.
Professional boxer Jake Paul also came in the support of the QB, and said anyone who calls a player garbage is trash at their job.
“Zach Wilson is special. How many of you made it to the NFL? Any commentator who calls a player garbage is trash at their job. Shout out to Chris Jones.”
Many fans also reached the social media platforms to deliver their takes saying such behavior was beneath the standards of sports journalism, and some also accused him of attempting to make controversy for the sake of ratings and sensationalism. However, the good news is that Harrison reached out to the Big Apple on Monday morning to apologize to Zach for his unprofessional comments, per head coach Robert Saleh.
What’s your take on this incident? Tell us in the comments.
