Sunday night’s Super Bowl LVII matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles had a somewhat controversial ending when Eagles defensive back James Bradberry was called for defensive holding in the final moments of the game, setting up a short game-winning field goal for the Chiefs. And while plenty in the NFL world blasted the call in such a big moment, Bradberry did not criticize the officials, taking full responsibility himself.
After the game, James Bradberry revealed that he thought it was the correct call, admitting that he grabbed the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and simply hoped that the referees didn’t see it or decided not to call it.
It was a classy move from Bradberry to admit the penalty, and he explained himself why this week.
James Bradberry on accountability after game: "I feel like I only had two options, really: I could take responsibility for it or I could blame it on someone else. I try not to live that way. …It comes from my Mom or coaches in the past I've had, taking accountability."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) February 14, 2023
“I feel like I only had two options, really: I could take responsibility for it or I could blame it on someone else. I try not to live that way,” Bradberry said in an interview, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. “It comes from my Mom or coaches in the past I’ve had, taking accountability.”
The NFL world certainly had plenty to say about Bradberry’s response to the difficult situation.
— Taylor Patrick O'Neill (@thomaesplendor) February 15, 2023
How can you not respect him lol as an opposing fan or Eagle fan accountability is a must https://t.co/qIexnpCiCA
— Ryen Vilmont (@Ezsilk32) February 14, 2023
9ers take notes https://t.co/MjO29XHUsq
— Tyler Patko (@TylerPatko) February 14, 2023
Always gonna remember the story that James Bradberry was fixing his mom’s toilet during the draft when the Panthers called to draft him https://t.co/nLm1HpQYeq
— Zachary Faria (@ZacharyFaria) February 14, 2023
I know we all hated that the flag was throw but damn if you have to respect this from James Bradberry. something to teach our kids 100% https://t.co/ctDayBoMYv
— Chris Brockman (@chrisbrockman) February 14, 2023
Love it so much… https://t.co/KsbcOfEikC
— Steven Kriz (@skrizPO) February 14, 2023
He may have made a big mistake, but he owned it. And it looks like it’s gained him a lot of respect around the league.
