Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey had quite the postseason debut.
In the Chargers’ disappointing Wild Card round loss to the Houston Texans, not only did McConkey thrive, but he was virtually quarterback Justin Herbert’s only weapon. The former Georgia Bulldog finished with nine receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown.
The highlight of the evening came courtesy of McConkey, as he scored on an 86-yard play. Still, his night was not all fun, as he was on the wrong side of what fans are deeming a dirty play by Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
What Happened Between Azeez Al-Shaair And Ladd McConkey?
Herbert delivered a low, yet on-target pass to McConkey across the field, where he was forced to make a diving grab with Houston cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. right behind him.
The play appeared over as both fell to the ground before Al-Shaair delivered a fist-clenched punch to McConkey’s helmet.
The immediate reaction from fans was not hard to predict, as they were furious with the Texans LB, who was suspended for three games earlier in the season due to a hit to Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence.
“Azeez Al-Shaair punching Ladd McConkey in the head,” one user posted. “Dirtiest player in the league.”
Azeez Al-Shaair punching Ladd McConkey in the head.
Dirtiest player in the league pic.twitter.com/upW1VWNNcf
— keanu (@keanukarg) January 11, 2025
“He doesn’t carry the ball in his helmet. He’s a dirty player and takes cheap shots whenever he can,” another fan wrote.
He doesn’t carry the ball in his helmet. He’s a dirty player and takes cheap shots whenever he can.
— Jagtastic (@Jagtastic1) January 12, 2025
One person kept it blunt, writing, “Get him out of the nfl already.”
Get him out of the nfl already
— elbirdman (@elbirdman) January 11, 2025
Others did not hesitate to bring the suspension earlier this season to light.
“Imagine getting suspended for three games for a dirty hit and coming back ready to do just that.”
Imagine getting suspended for three games for a dirty hit and coming back ready to do just that.
— Nash Henry (@NashJagsNats22) January 11, 2025
However, not all were so critical of the play by Al-Shaair. Some believe the linebacker was doing nothing more than attempting to punch out the ball, forcing a fumble.
“That’s going for the ball!!!! You folks never played football and it shows. Jesus Christ man,” a fan in defense of the LB posted.
That’s going for the ball!!!! You folks never played football and it shows. Jesus Christ man.
— Jacobbi McDaniel (@JacobbiJustice) January 12, 2025
“Punching for the ball bad timing,” another wrote.
Punching for the ball bad timing
— Lover of Geography Gail (@JLozano705) January 12, 2025
It was truly a frustrating night for McConkey all around, as he walks away knowing he performed at an elite level, but his team was still blown out 32-12.
The good news for Chargers fans is that this team has a bright future, as this was McConkey’s (and head coach Jim Harbaugh’s) first year in Los Angeles.
Expect the front office to strengthen the offense around Herbert and McConkey in hopes of making a deep playoff run next season.