Browns’ Myles Garrett Ejected After Hitting Mason Rudolph in Head with Helmet

David Richard/Associated Press

An ugly and violent scene took place in Cleveland's FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday as Browns defensive end Myles Garrett ripped off Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph's helmet and hit him in the head with it:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

CHAOS. https://t.co/z55g53ucen

The brawl took place with seconds left in the Browns' 21-7 win over the Steelers.

Rudolph completed an 11-yard pass to Trey Edmunds with 14 seconds remaining. Garrett tackled Rudolph and landed on him, and the quarterback took exception.

Chaos ensued. Garrett hit Rudolph in the head with his helmet, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey punched and kicked Garrett, and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi pushed the quarterback to the ground.

B/R Gridiron @brgridiron

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey went after Myles Garrett with punches and kicks after the Browns DE struck Mason Rudolph with his helmet 😳 https://t.co/e72Vanus6X

Garrett, Pouncey and Ogunjobi were ejected, and the game ended after two more plays.

Two of the NFL's biggest stars—Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt—were stunned.

Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomes

Bro i can’t even believe that just happen.

JJ Watt @JJWatt

That. Is. Insanity. Wow.

The brawl's aftermath could have long-lasting repercussions, most notably for Garrett.

A suspension is certainly on its way for the Browns star, and free-agent wideout Dez Bryant predicted that he will be done for the year.

Others believed that Garrett should be suspended for far longer, with Connor Hughes of The Athletic suggesting the possibility of an outright ban:

Connor Hughes @Connor_J_Hughes

More I watch this, more I believe it’s impossible for any suspension NFL hands down to be enough.

It should start at 16 games. Minimum. Banning him from league shouldn’t be out of question.

As others have said: That’s assault with a weapon. He could have killed him.

There isn't a direct precedent the NFL can follow, although ESPN's Kevin Seifert noted that ex-Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth received a five-game suspension (the longest in league history for an on-field incident) for stomping on ex-Dallas Cowboys interior offensive lineman Andre Gurode's head.

Per the Associated Press, Gurode received 30 stitches and suffered from headaches and blurred vision.

As for Thursday, ESPN's Louis Riddick noted that Rudolph could have been hurt far worse than he appeared:

Louis Riddick @LRiddickESPN

Listen people. If he had caught Mason Rudolph the right way, he could have killed him or hurt him very very badly. F that. This is serious.

Ex-Steelers linebacker James Harrison tweeted that the act would have far greater consequences off the field:

James Harrison @jharrison9292

That’s assault at the least… 6 months in jail on the street.. now add the weapon and that’s at least a year right?!

Thankfully, Rudolph told reporters after the game that he was “fine” while also mentioning that he felt the act was “cowardly” and “bush league,” per Steelers reporter Missi Matthews.

Numerous players spoke postgame. Garrett took time with reporters and said he “made a mistake” and “lost his cool.” 

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke with Fox Sports' Erin Andrews (h/t CBS Sports' Will Brinson) and said the following:

“Rivalry or not, we can't do that. … We're endangering the other team. That's inexcusable. … The reality is he's going to get suspended.”

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided no comment, and Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said he was “embarrassed.”

Garrett may not be the only player facing punishment, however, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that “all players involved in the heinous incident are going to be under review by the NFL for possible suspensions.”

The chippy, penalty-filled game between the two AFC North rivals was already noteworthy before the final seconds.

Browns safety Damarious Randall received an ejection for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson, who was seen bleeding from his right ear as he left the field. Cleveland also received eight penalties for 141 yards on the evening.

The two teams will meet each other again soon, with the Steelers hosting the Browns on Sunday, December 1.