- Jackson returned from a two-game suspension on Sunday evening for an illegal hit
- NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said Jackson should have been flagged for hit
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Controversial Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson returned from a two-game suspension for an illegal hit on Sunday night, but got away with one hit in the 21-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
The oft-penalized 35-year-old was seen leading the way with the crown of his helmet to deliver a brutal head shot on Minnesota quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who fumbled on the play. No flag was thrown and McMillian pounced on the loose ball at the Vikings’ 30-yard line, Denver’s second straight opening drive.
Dobbs went straight to the medical tent, but came right back out and didn’t miss a single shot.
“It seemed like a pretty direct helmet-to-helmet hit,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connnell said. ‘The rule is what it is. They didn’t throw the flag. It happened quickly out there. We’ll have to look into it.’
That includes the NFL, which already fined Jackson $89,670 for four illegal hits before suspending him for two games, costing Jackson $279,000 in lost wages.
Josh Dobbs fumbles after being hit by the crown of Kareem Jackson’s helmet on Sunday
Dobbs (left) went straight to the medical tent after being hit by Jackson (right) but was fine
Jackson’s hit should have resulted in a 15-yard penalty with Minnesota retaining possession, NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay suggested.
“He lowers his head and makes strong contact with the opponent,” McAulay said on the broadcast. “You see, his head is down. This should have been a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.”
Jackson said he received racist messages on social media after he was ejected last month for an illegal tackle on the Packers’ Luke Musgrave – a hit that resulted in a four-game suspension.
The former Alabama star made public the comments sent to him on Instagram after being given his marching orders with just under 13 minutes left in a 19-17 Week 7 win for Denver.
One message from a man named Philipp read: “Stop acting like a n**.”
Kareem Jackson delivered a brutal shot on tight end Logan Thomas in September
An hour later, Jackson reposted the message.
“I want to make sure you get the attention you’re looking for,” the NFL veteran said. “I want your friends and family to know during a game what kind of racist person you really are!
“I’ll be reposting throughout the week so it doesn’t go unnoticed. Don’t worry, IG tough guy.”
Jackson later shared that he was the recipient of another highly inappropriate comment on Instagram, which also exposed the sender.
“Another badass from IG,” he wrote as the caption to his story, which can be seen by his 12,000 followers. “This is what we have to deal with because we are athletes on a regular basis. Disgruntled fans who hid behind social media, knowing it wouldn’t end well personally. Enjoyed this fame, Daniel.’