Justin Herbert still silent after awkward postgame moment goes viral
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hasn’t responded to criticism after his tense exchange with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge despite thrilling MNF win.
Justin Herbert rarely makes headlines for anything other than his arm talent, but this week the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback found himself at the center of an unexpected media storm.
After the Chargers’ dramatic 22–19 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football, Herbert was intercepted not by a defender, but by ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. The sideline reporter approached him for the required postgame interview, only to be met with a visibly uncomfortable quarterback eager to escape.
“Yeah, I’m trying to celebrate with my team,” Herbert said, attempting to walk away as Rutledge kept pace beside him. She replied with, “No, I know, but can we just talk to you really fast?”, which only heightened the tension before the brief exchange finally wrapped, punctuated on air by Joe Buck noting Herbert’s hurried demeanor.
"I'm trying to celebrate with my team."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 9, 2025
Justin Herbert was reluctant to do a postgame interview with ESPN's Laura Rutledge. #NFL #MNF pic.twitter.com/zq1Ho4yN1u
Herbert’s silence adds fuel to viral postgame moment
Clips of the moment spread instantly online, sparking debate over whether Herbert was simply caught up in the adrenaline of a season-defining win or whether he was out of line brushing off a reporter just doing her job. Critics called it disrespectful while others defended him, saying he deserved a minute with his teammates.
But the one person who hasn’t weighed in is Herbert himself. Under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, players, and especially franchise quarterbacks, are obligated to speak with the media postgame. That added fuel to the backlash, with several commentators publicly calling Herbert’s behavior unprofessional.
Coming from someone who played 14 years & with Justin…he has to understand that this is part of his job & not fight it regardless if you think it adds to the viewing experience or not (it does)@lauramrutledge did a fantastic job staying calm & simply explaining that she just…
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) December 9, 2025
“You know the drill, dude, you’re the QB,” one TV anchor wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Others, including multiple journalists, defended Rutledge while applauding her professionalism in an uncomfortable moment.
Hey bro, you get paid $262 million to play football. When the prime time broadcast wants an interview, you stand there like EVERYBODY ELSE does and do the interview. Grow up.
— Kayce Smith (@KayceSmith) December 9, 2025
Kudos, @LauraRutledge. Real pro.
pic.twitter.com/rA2YI0hOM4
Yet Herbert hasn’t addressed the incident through the team, social media, or press availability.
The awkward interview overshadowed what should have been one of Herbert’s most uplifting moments of the season. The Chargers survived multiple late scares by Philadelphia, including a near walk-off drive in overtime that ended with a Tony Jefferson interception of Jalen Hurts.
With the win, the Chargers strengthened their hold on the AFC’s fifth seed ahead of a crucial matchup with the Chiefs. The Eagles, meanwhile, slipped further into uncertainty after a five-turnover disaster from Hurts.
The Chargers return to practice midweek, where Herbert is expected to speak with reporters. Perhaps he will choose to address the viral moment then.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment