The NFC West rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks erupted into chaos when 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected following a heated second-quarter bust-up on the Seattle sideline.
The incident unfolded with just over six minutes remaining in the first half after Greenlaw delivered a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold along the boundary.
Darnold was already stepping out of bounds when Greenlaw shunted him down drawing an immediate flag for a late hit.
Greenlaw headbutts helmetless rival
The late hit sparked an immediate altercation on the Seattle bench. As Seahawks players stepped in to defend their quarterback, sideline linebacker Ernest Jones IV – who was not wearing a helmet at the time – confronted Greenlaw and pushed his facemask.
Greenlaw responded by thrusting his helmet directly into Jones’ bare face.
League intervenes for instant ejection
Though on-field officials initially flagged only the late hit on Darnold, replay officials in New York intervened using the NFL’s newly updated rules governing non-football act disqualifications.
League officials directed the referee crew to disqualify Greenlaw immediately for his actions.
Greenlaw did not contest the decision and mimed the headbutt to teammate Fred Warner before making his way to the locker room.
Given Greenlaw’s history of disciplinary infractions – including recent fines and prior ejections – he faces potential supplemental fines or a suspension from the league office.
Despite losing their star linebacker early, the 49ers held on to secure a 32-29 victory over Seattle.
