WATCH: “Completely classless” – NFL fans outraged by Pittsburgh Steelers’ CPR simulation a week after Damar Hamlin’s injury
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers perform CPR on Alex Highsmith as they celebrate a last quarter sack that seal the game
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith CPR celebration (Image via Daily Mail)
The Steelers registered a 28-14 win over the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium in their final game of the regular season. Despite the victory, Pittsburgh will miss the playoff but head coach Mike Tomlin did get to keep his winning record as he ended the season with 9-8.
The game’s highlight happened in the last quarter with about 39 seconds remaining on the clock. Steeler linebacker Alex Highsmith sacked Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and did a CPR simulation celebration which did not sit right with just about anyone with common sense.
NFL fans on Twitter were outraged by the two Steelers and how easily they did the celebration that damn near broke everyone in the league. While they received no taunting penalty for their inappropriate celebration, the internet took it as their responsibility and mocked the linebackers for their actions.
Pittsburgh Steelers facing heavy backlash for CPR celebration
NFL fans did not receive well the celebration by Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith as this came a week after Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin’s unfortunate accident that shook the entire sports fraternity to its core. During the Week 17 Bills-Bengals matchup, Hamlin tackled Cincinnati wideout Tee Higgins during the first quarter of the game.
Due to his collision with Higgins, Damar Hamlin collapsed to the ground and was administered CPR because he wasn’t breathing on his own. While injuries are common in the NFL, seeing a medic pound the chest of a player to get his heart beating again is a rarity and an extremely sensitive matter. Hamlin’s life was hanging in the balance for about 72 hours when he finally regained his consciousness and just like that everyone could breathe a sigh of relief as well.
Fast forward to a week, Alex Highsmith mimics the CPR simulation on his teammate after sacking Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson and ending the 2022 season with a win. Highsmith has shown his support for Damar Hamlin on his Twitter feed, but this ill-advised celebration has soured the mood of fans all around the globe.
Alex Highsmith had a breakout year this season as he registered 14.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. His first two years with the Steelers weren’t eventful, as he had only eight sacks combined. Now, it looks like the Steelers defense will be the most feared one next year with the new and improved Highsmith and T.J. Watt.
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Yash Karandekar
(1023 Articles Published)