Kevin says:

Could’ve done without the first minute of the video.

The hit was bad and the player should’ve been suspened for it.

Cinaedh says:

He’s an Aussie footballer. He hardly even noticed the hit, even though it was helmet to helmet and about as illegal as it gets in the NFL.

As Gordie ‘Needles’ Howe used to say after he handed out an elbow to a newcomer, ‘Welcome to the league, rook!’

These announcers should watch some Canadian Football League (CFL) games where there’s no such thing as a ‘fair catch’!

Axtell says:

Wait a minute, it wasn’t a dirty hit, it was completely legal. The kicker is in play and can be blocked. It was the kicker’s fault for not being aware of his surroundings.

BobH says:

Welcome to a sick world where a cheap shot is “legal” and applauded as a right of passage. The next time you sign a contract, understand the lawyer who drew it up knows what’s “legal” too. Don’t whine when they exert a cheap shot on you as a right of passage.

James Hill says:

As SN said, it’s your own job to defend yourself on the field. Besides, he plays for the Eagles: Better get used to taking shit.

BobH says:

SN and James Hill…

“So he needed to learn the lesson…”
“it’s your own job to defend yourself on the field.”

You’re missing the point. There are millions of opportunities every day for one person to take advantage of another. The difference between savage and civil is precisely when one party has a clear shot and but exhibits the class not to take it.

We all know the deal is “protect yourself at all times”. That does not excuse the conduct — nor will it do you much good when a someone with experience decides to exploit you in a way you’ll never see coming.

Cinaedh says:

11. BobH – I fully expect it when a someone with experience decides to exploit me in a way I’ll never see coming. Otherwise, I’d never let them exploit me, would I? Hey, this is the American Way! It’s also called capitalism.

Chuck says:

Eagles fan here… hated to see it, but it was a legal hit… borderline ethical with how high he hit him helmet to helmet, but still legal. The punter’s in play, and Rocca just didn’t see it coming because he wasn’t used to the US game yet, plain and simple.
Luckily he wasn’t hurt, but he’ll be aware of who’s around him from this point on, that’s for sure.
By the way, did anyone else notice the “rookie mistake” by the announcer, Ike Reese? “If I’m out there playing for the Eagles, I’m finding their kicker the next time we out there on the field, and I’m gonna take a shot at him.”
Yeah, that was his first time in the booth… it was local, but he won’t be allowed comments like that if he goes national. LOL

jason says:

welcome to the NFL? what is the point of that kind of move being allowed and where does that seem even fair or justifiable? the fact that thats allowed and is even applauded by the commentators, fans of the game and other players just highlights the chasm of difference between americans and the rest of the world. good on you aussie for taking it in your stride. if that had happened in reverse to an american they would be suing and whining all the way back home.

hhopper says:

It was illegal as hell. He’ll be fined if he hasn’t already.