Former Steelers Players Defend Minkah Fitzpatrick

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers versus Cleveland Browns matchup took a heartfelt pause when Browns running back Nick Chubb went down with a devastating knee injury.

In the second quarter of the game, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick collided with Chubb near the goalline, with the hit forcing Chubb's knee to bend in an awkward way. He was eventually carted off the field, and early reports say there could be multiple ligaments damaged and possibly a dislocation to the knee.

After the hit, Fitzpatrick received criticism from many, especially Browns fans, for what some considered a low hit.

Former Steelers players are coming out to support Fitzpatrick, though, and discuss the hit in question. Ryan Clark started the conversation by saying it's difficult for a defender to make a tackle without being called out.

"If a defender goes high and a player gets concussed he’s dirty! If a defender goes low and a player gets a lower extremity injury he’s dirty. Where can he hit a runner then y’all? I mean sheesh. The growing softness of this game and the sensitivity of those who watch it saddens me," Clark tweeted.

If a defender goes high and a player gets concussed he’s dirty! If a defender goes low and a player gets a lower extremity injury he’s dirty. Where can he hit a runner then y’all? I mean sheesh. The growing softness of this game and the sensitivity of those who watch it saddens…
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 19, 2023

Vince Williams eventually put his remarks out there, expressing how difficult it is to tackle Chubb, and how playing running back comes with unprotected hits.

"I’ve been ran over by Nick Chubb several times. Tackling him up high is not the best decision. Injuries happen, running backs are the least protected position on offense. Tell your kids to play another position," Williams tweeted.

I’ve been ran over by Nick Chubb several times. Tackling him up high is not the best decision. Injuries happen, running backs are the least protected position on offense. Tell your kids to play another position.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) September 19, 2023

Fitzpatrick was not penalized for the hit, and while it did injury Chubb, it did not seem intentional at all. The Steelers' safety later left the game with a chest injury which may have occurred during the play as well. He remained on the ground momentarily after the hit before leaving later in the game.

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