Kareem Jackson suspended for defenseless receiver hit, appeal cut from 4 to 2 games

UPDATED 10/24 As announced by the league, the suspension of Kareem Jackson was reduced by appeals officer Derrick Brooks from 4 games to 2.

Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended for 4 games for a defenseless receiver hit after he was assessed multiple fines this season for unnecessary roughness. After this hit Jackson’s was ejected for the second time this season, the first player to be ejected multiple times in 2023 and only the third player to do so in the last 30 seasons.

There is an automatic expedited appeal for suspensions, but past practice shows that it’s likely some form of suspension will stay. The appeal will be looked at by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash (both former players), appeals officers appointed by the NFL and NFLPA.

Per the NFL, Kareem Jackson has been fined $89,670 for 4 offenses in Weeks 1-6 for conduct similar to unnecessary roughness. He is a repeat offender for illegal hits, so this suspension is not a surprise.

Jackson will join a continually growing list of players who have been suspended more than one game from an infraction that occurred on the field, assuming his suspension is upheld. The 2-game suspension includes the home game against the Chiefs, the bye week, and a game at the Bills.

Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, has reduced the discipline issued to Kareem Jackson from four to two games. Jackson is eligible to return to the Broncos’ roster on Tuesday, November 14.

— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 24, 2023

Multiple-game suspensions of NFL players for game infractions

Player	Team	Season	Suspension	Reason
Vontaze Burfict	OAK	2019	12 games*	flagrant lowering helmet to initiate contact, numerous past infractions in a continuous span (ejected)
Myles Garrett	CLE	2019	6 games*	removing a player’s helmet and using it as a weapon (ejected)
Albert Haynesworth	TEN	2005	5 games	stepping on face of prone, helmetless player (ejected)
Vontaze Burfict	CIN	2017	3 games‡	preseason blindside block/unnecessary roughness with prior suspendable infractions (no penalty)
Vontaze Burfict	CIN	2015†	3 games	AFC WILD CARD multiple infractions of defenseless player hits (no penalty)
Kareem Jackson	DEN	2023	2 games‡	flagrant defenseless receiver hit, second ejectable offense of season (ejected)
Javon Wims	CHI	2020	2 games	punching an opponent (ejected)
Maurkice Pouncey	PIT	2019	2 games‡	punching and kicking (ejected)
Brandon Meriweather	WAS	2014†	2 games	preseason defenseless player hit, multiple prior illegal hits (prior suspension reduced 2 to 1 game on appeal)
Ndamukong Suh	DET	2011	2 games	stomped on prone player (ejected)
Charles Martin	GB	1986	2 games	slamming quarterback long after pass thrown (ejected)
Antonio Smith	HOU	2013	1+ game§	preseason using a helmet as a weapon, but no contact (no penalty)
*Remainder of the season, including postseason (neither team made playoffs). †Served beginning Week 1. ‡Appeal reduction: Burfict (2017) from 5 games to 3, Jackson 4 games to 2, Pouncey 3 games to 2. §1 regular season game and 2 preseason games, but loss of 1 game check. Sources: So You Think You Know Football?, Football Zebras research