Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers Pro Bowl safety, finds himself in a quandary. Following a personal foul during the team’s 27-24 loss to the Colts, Fitzpatrick expressed his frustration with the evolving nature of the game he loves.
The incident occurred in the third quarter, shortly after the Steelers had narrowed the deficit to seven points. Fitzpatrick was penalized 15 yards for contact with Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell on a 2nd-and-10 play. This penalty ultimately contributed to the Colts scoring a touchdown on that drive, resulting in an upset victory over Pittsburgh.
“I thought we were playing football,” lamented Fitzpatrick in a post-game interview with the Tribune-Review. “I don’t know what we’re playing at this point. Very different game from what I grew up playing and grew up loving. Can’t hit nobody hard. Can’t be violent. Don’t know what to say anymore.”
His teammate DeShon Elliott, also a safety, had strong words regarding the penalty. “That was bullshit,” Elliott declared on 93.7 The Fan. “I don’t care. That was BS. … That was legal. He did nothing malicious. Didn’t even hit him in the head. Hit him right in the shoulder. If anything, he let up.”
The play in question, which drew the ire of Pittsburgh’s defensive backs, showed Fitzpatrick attempting to pull back as the ball had already passed Mitchell. However, contact was unavoidable, leading to the penalty.
Reflecting on the changing landscape of the NFL, Fitzpatrick’s sentiments ring true. While the league has implemented safety measures, such as rules to protect players, the addition of games to the schedule raises concerns about player health.
Despite the challenges posed by the evolving game, both Fitzpatrick and his fellow players must adapt to these changes. As the NFL continues to shift, they must stay flexible and adjust their approach accordingly. The sport they love may be changing, but their passion and dedication to the game remain constant.
