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MINNEAPOLIS — Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt stated his celebration following his second sack in Arizona’s 34-26 loss to Minnesota on Sunday was a tribute to former Vikings cross rusher Jared Allen — who was inducted into the workforce’s Ring of Honor at halftime — and never an insult.
Watt broke out Allen’s dance after his second sack of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, which got here across the 5:15 mark of the fourth quarter. He began together with his personal contact: rocking the newborn, which was a tribute to his new child son, Koa. Then Watt went into Allen’s celebration, which options him on one knee, circling his arm like he is stirring after which placing each arms within the air.
As quickly as Watt completed, the followers booed.
“I additionally wish to clear up — clearly the followers right here misinterpreted my Jared Allen tribute,” Watt stated in entrance of his locker after the sport. “Jared Allen’s one in every of my favourite gamers of all time, and that was completely a technique to honor him on his evening right here. Zero disrespect. I’d by no means disrespect him.
“I’ve lots of respect for Jared Allen, so I hope that clears that up.”
Watt reiterated that the celebration “was a tribute, not a slight” in a tweet posted later Sunday evening, which he concluded, “Do not get it twisted. #Legend”
The Jared Allen sack celebration was a tribute, not a slight.
Do not get it twisted.#Legend
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 30, 2022
Like Allen, Watt has made a profession of bringing down quarterbacks. Allen had 136 sacks in 12 seasons; Watt, presently in his twelfth season, has 106.5.
“He is top-of-the-line of all time,” Watt stated. “He is an incredible participant. I liked watching him. I met him a few occasions. I’ve a large quantity of respect for him. So, it was nice to see him go into their Ring of Honor. It’s extremely nicely deserved. And I hope he took it as a tribute and understood that it was an indication of respect.”
Watt stated the 2 had dinner when he was popping out of Wisconsin in 2011 however have by no means labored collectively. Watt, 33, stated he appreciated how Allen, who entered the sphere at U.S. Financial institution Stadium for his Ring of Honor ceremony on horseback, went about his profession his personal method.
“It is superior,” Watt stated. “I imply, the mullet, the horses, the cowboy hats. I imply, the man did it the best method and it was lots of enjoyable to look at and lots of enjoyable to only to see the way in which he did it, and I believe as we speak he deserved to be within the Ring of Honor. Completely.”
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