Vontaze Burfict: Dirty Player or Hard-Nosed Linebacker?

There have been a number of articles, statements, and opinions on Vontaze Burfict‘s tackle on Steelers star running back Le’Veon Bell. The more vocal Steelers decided to speak out, players like Ramon Foster and backup linebacker Vince Williams had something to say about the tackle and celebration of tackle by Vontaze Burfict. Williams really decided to cross a line and has put out a physical threat to Vontaze Burfic, that was taken down later, but not until Burfict got his hands on it:

I thought that NFL players were all suppose to be professionals, HAHA. Vontaze didn’t show much in the way of fear though to the tweet. Vontaze Burfict however has been in trouble for extra curricular activity in the past and for that, he hasn’t been given the benefit of the doubt, at least in Pittsburgh. He was fined by the league last year in week six when he twisted the ankles of Cam Newton and Greg Olsen, and just like Ndamukong Suh and James Harrison, your past doesn’t easily escape you, especially when your involved in a play where a star is injured.

We have no doubt that the play was clean, and as for targeting Le’Veon Bell, he had the ball and Burfict was determined to make the play, not to mention he was responsible for Bell in short coverage. The tackle wasn’t dirty, and if Burfict did celebrate an injury, then shame on him. I have a feeling there is more to the story, which is normally the case in every situation.

What doesn’t help his reputation though was pushing over a camera on a national televised game. That was a little more of a bull headed move, but he is passionate, plays hard, and takes no prisoners. A style we haven’t seen from this Bengals defense since Landon Johnson in the 2005 run. Burfict is a breath of fresh air to the passion and fire he brings to this position.

No matter how many times you apologize, no matter how unintentional something is, the haters will always find a way to come out in droves and this was no different. His reputation of being a hard nosed player with edge and maybe a little immaturity has come out. He is a solid player and just like anybody would say if he was on their team, I am glad he is on our side. One thing we hope doesn’t change, his passion and drive to play football for the Cincinnati Bengals.