Tyrann Mathieu Justifies Decision Not to Sack Deshaun Watson in Closing Moments of Chiefs-Texans

Towards the end of the NFL playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans last night, Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu was presented a defender's dream scenario: an open lane with which to light up Texans QB Deshaun Watson. However, rather than go for the sack, Mathieu slowed up and opted against laying out his former teammate.

While some were critical of Mathieu's decision to go easy on Watson on the play, the star DB took to Twitter to clear the air and offer an explanation for his decision.

The game was over. Yeah that’s my boy , but I’m not fake tough, I don’t have to hit you to make me feel like imma big beast. This is football, but every act isn’t violent. https://t.co/KmNl7zDEhF
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) January 13, 2020

"This is football, but every act isn't violent," Mathieu said.

The Chiefs DB was well within his rights to deliver a brutal blow to Watson in the fleeting minutes of the game, but instead he showed his close friend some compassion. The act of sportsmanship wasn't popular among all fans of the game, but we're sure Watson appreciates it.

Just because the big hit is available, doesn't mean it's always necessary to make.

Tyrann Mathieu: "You can always nitpick about what you can clean up and get better at, but I think ultimately the most important thing is how we responded. It was a good thing."
— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) January 13, 2020

As the leader of the Chiefs' defense, advancing to the Conference Championship was satisfaction enough for the 27-year-old. He didn't need to risk injuring Watson in order to prove a point in the already-historic comeback victory for KC.