JJAW's Mom Comes to his Defense

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside dropped a touchdown pass in the season finale against Dallas.

Brodes shared the clip on Twitter and JJAW’s mom responded a few days later:

While you are throwing rocks did you know that JJAW tore the ligaments and tendons in his finger on the first play of the game and his finger was dangling the whole game. All he wanted to do was to try to help his team no matter what even at the expense of his own health! pic.twitter.com/mthtAv2tXY

— Valorie Whiteside (@ValWhiteside33) January 12, 2022

We’ve had a few parents involved this year. Jalen Reagor’s dad defended his son online. Now JJAW’s mom. The social media world gives parents a platform to respond, which was never the case previously. Usually they’d just yell at the coach from the bleachers or write a sternly-worded letter. Or wait for them in the parking lot after the game to have a discussion.

If JJAW busted his finger, that sucks. Of course it does. But the overarching thing here is that the three-year body of work for a second round draft pick is next to nothing. It goes way beyond just one play. Arcega-Whiteside has 290 career receiving yards and one touchdown and his production has declined every single year, from 169 yards, to 85 yards, to 36 yards.

He’s had chances to make plays and/or get himself more snaps, but it’s not working out for him here, busted finger or not. It is what it is.