Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman has been slapped with a three-game suspension without pay for repeated violations of player safety rules.
The suspension stems from Perryman’s latest transgression – a helmet-to-helmet hit on Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase during Sunday’s game, earning him an unnecessary roughness penalty with just over four minutes remaining.
This marks Perryman’s sixth player-safety violation over his eight-year career, with a prior incident occurring in Week 2 against the Colts, resulting in a fine for the same rule breach.
Now, former Texans’ star JJ Watt took to social media, criticizing the league’s decision in no uncertain terms.
Responding to NFL sports writer and reporter, Watt expressed his disbelief, stating:
“‘Six violations through his career.’ He’s played in the league for 8 years! 6 penalties in 102 games means you deserve to be suspended 3 games without pay?”
“six violations throughout his career”
He’s played in the league for 8 years!
6 penalties in 102 games means you deserve to be suspended 3 games without pay?
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 14, 2023
Perryman, not one to take the suspension lightly, is set to make his case for a different punishment on Wednesday.
The appeal process will see former NFL players Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, appointed jointly by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, as the arbiters for on-field discipline penalties.
Perryman, who has spent nine seasons in the NFL playing for the Chargers, Raiders, and Texans, boasts an impressive career resume with 424 solo tackles, 192 assists, 6.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions.
His tenure includes a Pro Bowl appearance and a 2020 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played in 13 games, tallying 48 tackles, 1.0 sack, one pass defensed, and one forced fumble.
