Former Packers Player Proposes Dirty Strategy Against 49ers’ Brock Purdy

If you can’t beat them, beat them up.

ESPN radio host Mark Chmura appeared to deliver that head-turning message to his former team ahead of the San Francisco 49ers—Green Bay Packers divisional round game on Saturday.

Chmura, who played in Green Bay for seven years, recently gave his fiery take on how to upset the No. 1-seeded 49ers. His game plan was less about strategy and more about illegal quarterback hits.

“You guys are gonna think I’m crazy,” the ex-Packers tight end said on ESPN Milwaukee’s show, Jen, Gabe, and Chewy. “A 15-yard penalty—and I don’t condone this, but I kinda do in the playoffs—a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Brock Purdy is not a bad thing, as long as it’s worth it.”

Chmura attempted to justify his reasoning by referring back to the two teams’ divisional round matchup in January 1996, when the Packers won 27–17.

“The reason we won in ‘95 when no one gave us a chance against San Francisco is because we intimidated them,” Chmura said. “Wayne Simmons kicked the crap out of Brent Jones. And then it got contagious, and it carried over.”

Chmura’s shameless endorsement of late hits on Purdy still left fans with an unpleasant taste in their mouths.

The 49ers got knocked out of last year’s playoffs in part due to Purdy’s in-game elbow injury, and while fate could have similar plans for San Francisco this time around, rooting for illegal plays and injuries just screams poor sportsmanship.

The 49ers and Packers will square off at 8:15 p.m. ET Saturday on Fox in what will hopefully be a clean and respectful game.