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Social media reacts to Jaylen Waddle appearance in CFP National Championship Game
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered an injury to his right ankle in a game against the Tennessee Volunteers on Oct. 24.
On Monday, ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, he was shown on the field, sprinting and planning for an apparent appearance in the contest despite being injured just over 2-and-a-half months prior. He was ultimately deemed a game-time decision by Nick Saban and did not start, but eventually recorded 1 play for 15 yards in the 1st quarter. He ended up immediately limping off the field after that.
On one hand, Waddle was at least able to give it somewhat of a go after such an awful injury suffered in October. On the other hand, many on social media questioned the decision by Saban to allow the star receiver to play rather than leaving him off the field to continue his recovery.
As you can see, several NFL players, including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, Ravens receiver Dez Bryant and Titans wideout A.J. Brown, were critical of the decision.
NFL stars reacted to Jaylen Waddle returning from a fractured ankle to play in the #NationalChampionship game. pic.twitter.com/o9E5VJyRn5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2021
Here’s more reaction from across Twitter:
jaylen waddle better go to the locker room and hire an agent.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) January 12, 2021
we gonna ignore how jaylen waddle just shouldn’t be out there? lol
— Harry Lyles Jr. (@harrylylesjr) January 12, 2021
Do not rush Waddle. You can win without him.
— Adel Maverick (@A_Mav27) January 12, 2021
Love seeing Waddle’s heart tonight but he’s visibly still hurting. Protect yourself young man!
— Jeff Byrnes (@Jeff_Byrnes) January 12, 2021
LORD PLZ PROTECT AND COVER WADDLE
— Pass the Sticks (@PaulyGraphic) January 12, 2021
Waddle don’t need to play in anotha min of this game
— H.N.I.C ?? (@theTimDowns_3) January 12, 2021
bruh Waddle should not be playin. i know it’s the love for the game but he’s not ?% & it’s obvious
— C o l i n ??? (@1k_Colinnn) January 12, 2021
Jaylen Waddle dont need to play anymore snaps.
— CHARLES©️ (@_charles_0310) January 12, 2021
Stunned Waddle is actually been played, doesn't look even 75%! Limps off the field after each play!
— Sam Battersby (@SBattersby) January 12, 2021
I love Jaylen Waddle's heart, but he needs to sit the rest of the game.
Don't jeopardize your future, my man. You got nothing to prove. #AlabamavsOhioState #Alabama #JaylenWaddle
— Of Beauty and Rage (@T_Money71) January 12, 2021
Listen Waddle has to understand it’s millions of dollars on the line. Sit him out!
— Isaiah Huff (@_NEWW_ERA) January 12, 2021
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
