ESPN is facing backlash from the viewing audience after showing Tank Dell’s graphic injury in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans broadcast.
ESPN Flashback to Tank Dell’s ‘Gruesome’ Injury Leads to Major Backlash
In the broadcast of the Texans’ playoff matchup with the Chiefs, they decided to replay the graphic injury suffered by Texans receiver Tank Dell in Week 16. While it is notable that Dell isn’t playing in this game, it was unnecessary to show the graphic video of his injury.
Many fans have taken to social media to voice their opinion on the matter, and ESPN has been facing a lot of backlash over their decision.
In response to a quote from the broadcast, saying, “Let’s flashback to Tank Dell’s gruesome injury,” one fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter), “NO LET’S NOT DO THAT.”
“Let’s flashback to Tank Dells gruesome injury”
NO LETS NOT DO THAT
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) January 18, 2025
Other fans responded to this post in agreement, with one saying, “[I] thought it was in real poor taste for ESPN to do that honestly.”
Thought it was in real poor taste for ESPN to do that honestly
— Noah (@ArKKitect) January 18, 2025
Another fan also agreed, adding, “I genuinely don’t know why they felt that they needed to show that again.”
I genuinely don’t know why they felt that they needed to show that again
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) January 18, 2025
Another fan also commented on their showing not only Dell’s injury but also Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s emotional reaction to it, saying, “tank dell injury crying cj trauma montage sure ESPN.”
tank dell injury crying cj trauma montage sure espn
— zee (@zeegtee) January 18, 2025
What Happened to Tank Dell?
The Texans met the Chiefs in Week 16 — the two teams were separated by seven points when Dell soared to catch the pass and, despite multiple hits, came down with the ball, scoring a touchdown. His teammate, Jared Wayne, caught him in the back of the leg, and both crashed to the ground.
Dell managed to hold onto the touchdown, bringing Kansas City’s lead down to a single point. However, he unfortunately stayed down and appeared to be in a great deal of pain before being carted off the field as the stadium was hushed.
Dell’s teammates took a knee and then gathered around him as he was lifted onto the cart. His teammates looked emotional as they stood around him as he was taken from the field. Stroud looked particularly distressed as he was comforted by his teammates and head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Eventually, Ryans revealed that Dell’s diagnosis was a dislocated kneecap and torn ACL. However, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reported that Dell also tore his medial collateral (MCL) and lateral collateral ligaments (LCL), as well as damaging his meniscus.
“It’s tough to see guys get injured, the work that guys put in, how much they put their bodies on the line to play this game,” Ryans said. “It’s deeper than football. We are talking about real people who have real emotions and real feelings who are going through a tough time right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in that situation.”
