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Kelce brothers rip NFL over Cam Skattebo penalty
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jason and Travis Kelce unloaded on the NFL’s unnecessary roughness call against New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo during the latest episode of their New Heights podcast.

The flag came in the first quarter of the Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans. Skattebo picked up seven yards before officials hit him for lowering his helmet while running through safety M.J. Stewart.

The 15-yard penalty wiped out the gain and stood out as a rare enforcement of the rule against an offensive player on a standard play this season.

Jason Kelce did not mince words.

“I get it. I understand why they’re calling it. But I think it’s the dumbest f—ing thing in the world, and I hate that it’s a penalty,” he said.

Jason went further, arguing the defender should absorb the contact.

“If the running back hits the defensive player with the crown of his helmet, and you get run over, that’s the defensive guy’s fault,” he said. “Hit him in the f—ing legs. What are we talking about? You’re the one who tried to tackle him up top. What the f—? I think it’s a dumbass penalty. I think that the runner should have the ability to lower his shoulder and gain yardage however he wants. And if his head goes down with it, that’s the way it should be.”

He added that Skattebo mostly lowered his shoulders rather than deliberately leading with his head.

“That’s the f—ing dumbest G–damn thing I’ve ever seen. It’s f—ing stupid,” Jason said.

Travis Kelce called it “football” and questioned how a runner is supposed to lower his pads while keeping his head up.

Skattebo, who finished with a career-high 124 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, including a 42-yard overtime run that set up the game-winner, has already pushed back.

“The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that but then also wants to take stuff from me. I’m going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I’m going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I’m going to play for free,” he said after the game.

He was fined earlier this season for a similar play against the Tennessee Titans.

The Kelces’ rant puts more attention on a call that already drew plenty of heat.

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