Topics: American Football, NFL, US Sports, Australia
If you run onto the field of play as a spectator expect to get tackled, whether that be by security, or copping a huge hit from a 240-pound NFL linebacker.
The Los Angeles Rams may have struggled against the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday (October 4), but they ensured they’d be on the highlight reel when they managed to stop a pitch invader in his tracks.
In the back end of the first half, a spectator sprinted onto the field, letting off a pink smoke flare above his head in the process, looking like some sort of bizarre gender reveal.
The fan evaded security personnel as they ran across the pitch, but they certainly couldn’t escape a ferocious hit from Bobby Wagner.
As the brave invader ventured close to the Rams bench, fellow linebacker Takkarist McKinley looked to close in on him before Wagner followed up with a devastating shoulder charge.
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A big enough hit to make you forget what you were protesting in the first place.
The security personnel wiped the fan off the surface and picked up Wagner’s scraps as they hauled the man off the field.
According to Direct Action Everywhere, the activist was part of the Right To Rescue movement and attempted to elevate the Smithfield Trial
The trial surrounds an investigation into activists who broke into a facility owned by Smithfield Group and rescued two piglets.
Speaking on the incident following the game, Wagner said he saw security trying their best but realised he could be of assistance.
“I just saw somebody running on the field and he looked like he wasn’t supposed to be on the field - I saw security was having a bit of a problem so I helped them out,” Wagner said.
“That’s just keeping it safe. We don’t know what that fan’s got or what they’re doing.
“We all know what they’re carrying in their pockets, and whatever that little smoke stuff is, that s**t can be dangerous.
“One of the guys on the other side looked like he got hurt and security looked like they were struggling - so I was frustrated and I took it out on the fan.
“I think security is doing the best they can and I just saw an opportunity to help them.”
Apropos to the situation, Wagner’s Twitter bio currently reads ‘Tackle Everything In Life’, a motto he took quite literally in Tuesday’s game.
Unfortunately, while Wagner overcame the protestor, the Rams failed to take home the win against the 49ers, losing the game 24-9.
