The NFL outlawed grabbing players by the facemask generations ago and this play from last night is a textbook example of why it needs to stay banned.
During yesterday’s game between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans, Patriots rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham tried running towards the sideline with two Texans in pursuit.
One of the defenders grabbed Cunningham by the facemask and pulled it all the way around, causing Cunningham to fall and for the helmet to come off.
Cunningham was reportedly okay after the facemask grab. But he could easily have received serious injuries to his head and neck.
Fortunately, #Patriots rookie Malik Cunningham was okay after this nasty facemask grab.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 11, 2023
Malik Cunningham went undrafted out of Louisville, where he was a four-year starter and won Music City Bowl MVP honors during the 2019 season.
Cunningham balled out in his preseason debut for the Patriots. As a quarterback he completed three of four passes for 19 yards. But he also looked solid as a receiver, leading the team with five receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown.
He might have played himself onto the roster with his play last night.