Howard Smith-Imagn Images

NFL VP Faces Backlash After Past Actions Resurfaced Online

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thad Brown | Last updated Dec 3, 2024 6:37 PM ET

The fallout from the NFL’s decision to suspend Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has taken an unexpected turn.

On Tuesday, Jon Runyan, the NFL’s Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration, issued a three-game suspension, citing Al-Shaair’s “continued disregard for NFL playing rules” and emphasizing the importance of player safety. However, the decision has ignited backlash among current and former players, with many accusing Runyan of hypocrisy.

Runyan, who played as an offensive tackle in the NFL for 14 seasons, has a controversial reputation from his playing days.

In 2006, he was voted the second-dirtiest player in the league by his peers, behind only Rodney Harrison. Adding fuel to the fire, a resurfaced video of Runyan delivering a “flying headbutt” to a San Francisco 49ers player during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles has gone viral on X, sparking further outrage.

Former offensive lineman and now NFL VP of Football Ops Jon Runyan flying headbutt at the LB and then quoted below talking about the integrity of the game is hilarious https://t.co/Gmm0FNGW3e pic.twitter.com/BXJAgnlqVq
— Harley Dugan (@TheLead_HOU) December 3, 2024

“It’s really ridiculous he has anything to say about it,” said former All-Pro and Super Bowl XLVIII champion Richard Sherman, echoing the sentiment of many players who find Runyan’s role in disciplining others ironic.

It’s really ridiculous he has anything to say about it. https://t.co/hO1sXkcHgt
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 3, 2024

Texans running back Joe Mixon didn’t hold back either, posting: “Dude had no integrity for the game. Does anybody else not see the hypocrisy in this… WHAT ARE WE DOING!?!”

Is this not the same person that just suspended agent 0?

Dude had no integrity for the game.. Does anybody else not see the hypocrisy in this… WHAT ARE WE DOING!?!? ‍♂️ https://t.co/xxFVmMuufo
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) December 3, 2024

Runyan’s statement regarding Al-Shaair’s suspension included strong language condemning the linebacker’s actions, stating that his “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game” jeopardized the safety of players.

Former Packers linebacker and Super Bowl XLV champion AJ Hawk found the wording curious.

“That was interesting wording from Jon Runyan,” said Hawk. “They’re wording this so strongly like this cannot happen.”

Hawk also praised Texans GM Nick Caserio for standing by Al-Shaair during the appeal process. Meanwhile, the debate surrounding Runyan’s legacy and his current role highlights the tension between the NFL’s efforts to enforce player safety and the lingering memories of its hard-nosed past.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: