Arizona Cardinals tackle D.J. Humphries Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Cardinals tackle ejected after hitting referee during altercation

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Oct 22, 2023 9:44 PM ET

Despite looking unintentional to those watching at home, Arizona Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries was ejected in the second quarter of Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks after accidentally hitting a referee in the head during a confrontation with linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

Humphries was called for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty and was subsequently ejected. Because he struck an official, Humphries could also be subject to supplemental discipline from the NFL.

Imagine ejecting D.J. Humphries and not Jordyn Brooks for this altercation ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/RMk6TImCfl
— Sloan Piva (@SloanPiva) October 22, 2023

The hit happened after the Seahawks intercepted Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs – on a play that was negated by Boye Mafe's roughing the passer penalty – and Brooks shoved the 6-foot-5, 285-pound Humphries by the facemask after the whistle.

I get why D.J. Humphries was ejected because he hit the official, but this excellent @AP photo shows Hump had a reason to want to get back at Brooks. pic.twitter.com/yBIfI89zE8
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 23, 2023

As Humphries pushed Brooks’ hand away from his face, down judge Brian Sakowski was inadvertently clocked on top of his head as he tried to break up the scuffle. Humphries was replaced by 11-year veteran Kelvin Beachum.

Humphries’ absence didn’t affect the Cardinals much on the drive, as Dobbs reeled off a 25-yard touchdown run on the next play, giving Arizona a 10-7 lead at the time.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

More must-reads: