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Tyrann Mathieu defends himself over letting up on Deshaun Watson hit

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 1/13/20

Tyrann Mathieu gave us a great example on Sunday of how players can help one another avoid unnecessary injury, and the Kansas City Chiefs star felt the need to defend himself over it when it became a topic on social media.

Late in Kansas City’s 51-31 win over the Houston Texans, Mathieu had a free run at Deshaun Watson (his former teammate) and a chance to lay a hard, clean hit on the quarterback. Since the game was already well in-hand, he took it easy on Watson. On Monday, Mathieu defended the decision and said he’s not “fake tough.”

The game was over. Yeah that’s my boy , but I’m not fake tough, I don’t have to hit you to make me feel like imma big beast. This is football, but every act isn’t violent. https://t.co/KmNl7zDEhF

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) January 13, 2020

Maybe I’m built different.

— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) January 13, 2020

Mathieu’s take on the play is refreshing. All we ever seem to talk about is defenders throwing cheap shots at quarterbacks, and Mathieu should be commended for using his head and caring about the health of a fellow player.

There’s nothing wrong with a clean hit, but it isn’t always necessary. It would be nice to see more players take their foot off the gas in situations like that when the game is completely out of reach.

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

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