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Just 12 Hours After 2-Game Suspension, Chargers Star Linebacker Denzel Perryman Sends 7-Word Message to Ryan Flournoy — Cowboys WR's Classy Response Sends NFL Community Into Frenzy

Dallas, Texas – December 23, 2025

Less than 12 hours after the NFL officially announced a two-game suspension, Denzel Perryman broke his silence. There was no lengthy statement. No public justification. Just seven words — delivered directly to the player on the receiving end of the controversial hit, Ryan Flournoy of the Dallas Cowboys.

Late Monday, the league suspended Perryman without pay for Weeks 17 and 18 following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Flournoy in the Chargers’ loss to Dallas. The NFL emphasized that the punishment stemmed from “repeated violations of rules designed to protect player safety,” making it clear that Perryman’s disciplinary history weighed heavily in the decision.

By Tuesday morning, Perryman chose to address the matter privately — and succinctly.

“Nothing but respect — hope you’re good, brother.”

Seven words. No excuses. No deflection. Just accountability.

The message was initially exchanged privately between the two players before circulating through team sources, and it immediately softened the tone surrounding the incident. What had been framed as another example of reckless defense shifted into something more human — one player accepting the consequences, the other choosing how to respond.

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And it was Flournoy’s response that truly sent waves through the league.

Instead of escalating the situation, the Cowboys wide receiver answered with a gesture teammates described as “pure class.” Flournoy publicly supported Perryman, saying he never believed the hit was malicious and that he accepted the message without hesitation. He later shared a brief post of his own — one that made no reference to the suspension, focusing instead on respect, health, and moving forward.

Players across the NFL took notice.

Veterans praised Perryman for reaching out immediately rather than hiding behind agents or polished PR language. Others pointed to Flournoy’s response as a model of professionalism — the kind the league often hopes for, but rarely sees in moments this raw.

For the Los Angeles Chargers, Perryman’s absence looms large as they prepare for critical matchups against the Texans and Broncos with playoff positioning at stake. For the Dallas Cowboys, Flournoy’s composure reinforced the culture of accountability inside the locker room.

In a league so often defined by discipline notices and heated soundbites, this moment unfolded differently. No shouting. No viral outrage. Just seven words — and a response that reminded the NFL world that respect still matters.

Sometimes, the loudest statements are the quietest ones.

BREAKING: Bears Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Chicago, Illinois – January 2026 Chicago Bears are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Bears could be the perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Bears' defense, which is on the rise. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Bears could be the most likely destination for Mack. “Mack returns to Chicago, where he starred from 2018-2021. The Bears need to boost their pass rush without spending too much, and Mack fits that perfectly,” Pereles said. The Bears have the salary cap flexibility to bring Mack in without making a massive financial commitment, making him a sensible option for a team looking to bolster its defense without overspending. The Bears have shown strong defensive potential under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Mack could provide the veteran presence needed for a group of young, developing pass rushers. His leadership and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks would be a welcome addition, and his past success with the Bears makes him an ideal candidate to return to Chicago. However, the Bears won’t be the only team competing for Mack. Other teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks are also interested. The Bengals may need a replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Panthers have multiple defensive needs, and the Seahawks have the cap space to make a big splash signing. “Bears is my old home, where I spent some of the most important years of my career. Even though I’ve been away, Chicago has always been in my heart. Coming back here is not just an opportunity to contribute to the team but a homecoming journey. I believe I can bring strength and experience to help the Bears go further, and if given the chance, I’ll do everything I can to help the team achieve great things,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the years ahead. But as the Bears continue their pursuit of a championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.