A Wisconsin-based ESPN radio host encouraged the Green Bay Packers to try and injure Brock Purdy during Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round matchup.
Former Packers tight end Mark Chmura advised Green Bay defenders to take a late cheap shot on the San Francisco 49ers quarterback. The three-time Pro Bowler cited intimidation as why the Packers defeated the 49ers in a second-round playoff matchup 28 years ago.
“A 15-yard penalty — and I don’t condone this, but I kind of do in the playoffs — for a late hit on Brock Purdy is not a bad thing, as long as it’s worth it,” Chmura said.
“You guys are gonna think I’m crazy…” Always a hot start when Chewy starts a thought on @JenGabeChewy with that.
Trust us, you WANT to hear what the big guy says about the #Packers setting the tone on Saturday ⬇️#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/4fstnB13eO
— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) January 17, 2024
A reasonable person should deduce that intentionally breaking the rules to potentially hurt an opponent is indeed a bad thing.
“This is disgusting and has no place anywhere in sports or sports commentary,” former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman responded. “There is never a scenario where this is OK for any person or team.”
Purdy injured his elbow during San Francisco’s last postseason matchup. He left the NFC Championship Game but returned despite being unable to throw when backup quarterback Josh Johnson also got injured.
Purdy returned from offseason elbow surgery to register 4,280 passing yards and 31 touchdowns with a league-leading 113.0 quarterback rating. The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft was an MVP favorite before throwing four interceptions in a Christmas loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Chmura, who was accused of sexually assaulting his children’s 17-year-old babysitter in 2000, may think a repeat is Green Bay’s best chance of upsetting San Francisco as 9.5-point road underdogs.
Hopefully no Packers players follow Chmura’s suggestion during Saturday’s game, which starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX.