Steelers’ Damontae Kazee Was Suspended For A 'Dirty' Hit, But Michael Pittman Jr. Believes He Was Just Doing His Job

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a tumultuous moment in their 2023 season after a defeat against the Indianapolis Colts, marking their third consecutive loss in December and dimming their playoff hopes. Adding to their woes, starting safety Damontae Kazee was ejected from the game for a contentious hit on Colts star wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., compounded by Minkah Fitzpatrick's subsequent knee injury, leaving the Steelers depleted at the safety position within a span of mere seconds.

Steelers' Damontae Kazee Gets Called A Dirty Player

Following Kazee's expulsion, a heated debate erupted on social media platforms regarding the nature of the hit – was it an intentional dirty hit or simply a consequence of the aggressive nature of football? Steelers fans rallied behind Kazee, asserting that he was merely executing a football play and had no malicious intent. The crux of their argument rested on the fact that Pittman was in a vulnerable position, diving to catch the ball, while Kazee was attempting to prevent the completion of the pass.

Months later, Pittman offered his perspective on the controversial hit during an appearance on Chris Long's show, Green Light. Despite the physical toll and discomfort caused by the hit, Pittman maintained a level-headed approach, acknowledging the inherent violence of the sport. While expressing his aversion to such hits, Pittman refrained from placing blame on Kazee, recognizing the unpredictable and intense nature of football.

“It’s such a violent game and like, do I think that he meant to cause that much harm? No. I think he was just trying to like, make a play. Now do I wish that he didn’t hit me like that? Yes. It’s football and like, it’s violent.”

During the interview, Pittman vividly recounted the scary play, its unfolding etched in his memory. What began as a routine sequence swiftly escalated into a moment of heightened anticipation as he initially perceived himself as being wide open, his adrenaline surging in anticipation of the play's execution. However, his excitement was swiftly tempered by the realization of a poorly thrown ball, prompting an instinctual reaction as he laid out extending his body in a valiant effort to secure possession of the football. 

In the dizzying whirl of the moment, he found himself immersed in a disorienting void, devoid of sights or sounds, until consciousness gradually returned amidst the concerned faces of his teammates, their comforting presence serving as the beacon that guided him back from the abyss of unconsciousness, his memory shrouded in the fog of the unexpected ordeal.

A few months back, Pittman was of the opinion that the hit wasn't clean. However, upon further reflection, he now believes that there was no malicious intent behind it.

“I know what I signed up for, but obviously I don’t want anybody to take those type of hits and I definitely don’t want to take that hit again."

The NFL's response to the controversial hit came in the form of a suspension for Kazee, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the playoffs. Despite appeals and debates surrounding the severity of the punishment, the league upheld its decision, leaving Kazee ineligible to return unless the Steelers secured a playoff berth.

The suspension of Kazee, a key defensive asset for the Steelers, posed additional challenges for the team as they navigated through the remainder of the season. However, with the resilient efforts of players like Mason Rudolph stepping up to the occasion, the Steelers managed to secure a playoff spot, providing a glimmer of hope for Kazee's potential return to the field.

The incident involving Kazee's suspension served as a poignant reminder of the fine line between the physicality inherent in football and the need to prioritize player safety. While debates surrounding controversial hits may continue to permeate the sport, players like Pittman exemplify resilience and sportsmanship, demonstrating a willingness to move forward, despite the adversities encountered on the gridiron. As the Steelers forged ahead, navigating the challenges of the season, the incident served as a testament to the unwavering spirit and resolve inherent in the game of football.