Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell 'made a mistake' with his halftime act

By John Gidley | Last updated 10/31/23

The Philadelphia Eagles avoided any on-field controversy during Sunday's win at the Washington Commanders, but the same can't be said for halftime.

Halfway through the second quarter, 24-year-old running back Kenneth Gainwell halted a 10-play, 75-yard drive by losing a fumble at Washington's 3-yard line. At halftime, Gainwell thought it was a good idea to fire back at a troll who had messaged him about the gaffe on Instagram, per ESPN.

The fan's message — which included an expletive — implored Gainwell to hold onto the football.

"Lil boy," Gainwell responded, "don't text me."

On Monday, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the incident occurred and that it was being dealt with internally.

"We just reminded him to ignore the outside noise," the coach said. "He knows he made a mistake."

Nick Sirianni says the team did speak with Kenny Gainwell regarding him DMing back an Eagles fan critiquing him on IG during the game: “We definitely had a conversation with him. We do have some time at halftime, and he knows he made a mistake. We just reminded him to ignore the… pic.twitter.com/7mpSryG9su
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) October 30, 2023

Gainwell has yet to respond publicly to these events.

Gainwell's conduct is inexcusable. Being on his phone at halftime, especially after committing a critical fumble, is bad enough. Stooping down to his troll's level and engaging with that person speaks volumes about his lack of maturity and self-control.

Besides, the NFL prohibits the use of non-authorized devices by players, coaches and team staff during games. The Eagles should have noticed Gainwell was violating protocol by using his phone.

Whether or not Gainwell will be fined by the team is unknown. He's lucky Colorado coach Deion Sanders — a Pro Football Hall of Famer — isn't his coach.

Deion Sanders "Get Off the Phone! This Can Change Your Life"

Check out Deion Sanders telling his players to get off their phones. With NIL deals, college football can change their life.

Follow for more #deionsanders #shorts! pic.twitter.com/tRaRTPSDFg
— Did You Know This Thing (@DidYouThisThing) October 25, 2023