Green Bay, Wisconsin – December 28, 2025
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has formally called on the NFL to review the play that resulted in a devastating injury to cornerback Kamal Hadden during Saturday night’s Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
Hadden was carted off the field in the third quarter after his lower leg twisted unnaturally while making a tackle, an injury so severe that the broadcast partner declined to show a replay. The play drew immediate concern from players on both sidelines, with several Packers kneeling in prayer as medical staff attended to Hadden.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, LaFleur did not accuse the Ravens of intent but made it clear that the outcome of the play warrants further scrutiny from the league.
“I’m not questioning anyone’s motives,” LaFleur said. “But when a player leaves the field the way Kamal did, the league has a responsibility to take another look at how that play unfolded and whether everything was handled the right way.”
The Packers believe the contact created unnecessary risk, particularly given the vulnerable position Hadden was placed in while engaging the ball carrier. While no flag was thrown on the field, LaFleur emphasized that player safety must remain the league’s top priority — especially as the postseason approaches.
Hadden, a rotational defensive back for Green Bay, is expected to miss the remainder of the season. His absence further strains a Packers secondary already dealing with injuries at a critical point in the playoff race.
“These guys put their bodies on the line every snap,” LaFleur added. “We owe it to them to make sure the rules are protecting players as best as possible. Kamal’s injury was tough to see, and we just want accountability and clarity.”
The NFL has not yet announced whether it will issue a fine or further discipline related to the play. League sources confirmed that the incident is under review by the NFL’s football operations department.
As Green Bay prepares for the final stretch of the season, LaFleur’s message was clear: this is bigger than one game or one call. It’s about setting a standard that prioritizes safety — before another player suffers a similar fate.
