Head Coach Mike Tomlin Calls on NFL to Punish Los Angeles Chargers’ Young Star for Unsportsmanlike Behavior That Injured QB Aaron Rodgers and Caused the Game to Slip Away from the Steelers.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – November 10, 2025
After the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a 25–10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke out, calling on the NFL to investigate unsportsmanlike behavior by safety Derwin James (Chargers) following a controversial hit on Aaron Rodgers. The hit caused Rodgers to injure his hand and significantly impacted the outcome of the game.
The controversial moment occurred in the 4th quarter, when the Steelers were trailing 18–10 and faced a 2nd & 8 at the Chargers’ 35-yard line. Rodgers executed a play-action pass, evading pressure from the Chargers’ defense, and attempted to throw to WR George Pickens. However, the throw was incomplete, and Rodgers was hit hard from behind by Derwin James, causing his right hand to hit the ground. While this collision took place after Rodgers had released the ball, it should have been flagged as roughing the passer, but no penalty flag was thrown.
“We thought it was a clear penalty,” Coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “The hit occurred after Rodgers had thrown the ball, and the officials should have thrown a flag. It was an unsafe play and needed to be called. The NFL needs to investigate the officials’ decision in this situation.”
After the hit, Rodgers tried to continue playing, but he clearly struggled with the hand injury and couldn’t help the team turn the game around. This play was one of the key moments that changed the course of the game. The Steelers were unable to execute successful plays after that, leading to the Chargers maintaining their lead and ultimately winning 25–10.
“This is behavior that shouldn’t be tolerated in an NFL game,” Tomlin stated. “We’re not placing blame, but clearly, this was unsportsmanlike conduct and should be addressed.”
The Steelers ended the game with 12 penalties, including 7 from the Chargers, with this situation involving James being one of the most controversial moments. Although the Steelers couldn’t successfully challenge the play, Mike Tomlin and the players are still calling for the NFL to review the officiating decisions in this game.
