derick hall

Why Derick Hall’s One-Game Suspension Has Seahawks Fans Talking

When the Seattle Seahawks pulled off a gritty win against the Los Angeles Rams, few expected one of their rising defensive stars to be sidelined just days later. But that’s exactly what happened to outside linebacker Derick Hall, who was slapped with a one-game suspension by the NFL for a controversial play during the game. The move has sparked debate across the league, with fans, analysts, and even teammates weighing in on the fairness—and consequences—of the decision.

This isn’t just another disciplinary footnote. For a young player like Hall, every game matters—especially when it comes to proving himself in a competitive NFL landscape. Let’s break down what we know, why it matters, and what this could mean for Hall, the Seahawks, and the league’s enforcement of player safety rules.

What Actually Happened? The Verified Facts

According to official reports from ESPN, NBC Sports, and The Seattle Times, Derick Hall was suspended for one game without pay for violating the NFL’s rules on unnecessary roughness. The incident occurred during the Seahawks’ 23-16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on October 13, 2024.

The NFL confirmed that the suspension stems from a specific play in the third quarter, when Hall made contact with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford after he had already released the ball. While the hit wasn’t flagged during the game, league officials reviewed the footage and determined it met the threshold for “late or illegal contact on a quarterback”—a violation under the NFL’s player safety protocols.

“The NFL has made it clear: protecting quarterbacks is a top priority,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter in a post-suspension report. “Even if the call wasn’t made on the field, the league can step in post-game.”

Hall will miss the Seahawks’ upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, scheduled for October 20, 2024, and will forfeit one game check—estimated at $58,000, based on his rookie contract.

The suspension was not accompanied by a fine, a detail that has raised eyebrows among analysts. Typically, suspensions for unnecessary roughness come with both a missed game and a financial penalty. The absence of a fine suggests the league may view the infraction as borderline, not egregious.

Recent Updates: Timeline of Key Developments

Here’s a chronological breakdown of how this situation unfolded, based on verified news reports:

• October 13, 2024 (Sunday): Seahawks defeat Rams 23-16 at SoFi Stadium. Hall records 5 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 QB hits. No penalty is called on the controversial play.
• October 14, 2024 (Monday): NFL sends Hall a notice of potential discipline following a standard post-game review by the league’s football operations department.
• October 15, 2024 (Tuesday): The NFL formally announces Hall’s one-game suspension for unnecessary roughness. The decision is upheld after a brief review.
• October 16, 2024 (Wednesday): Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addresses the media, stating the team “respects the league’s decision” but expresses concern over consistency in enforcement.
• October 17, 2024 (Thursday): Hall releases a short statement via social media: “I respect the league’s process. I’ll learn from this and be better.”
• October 18, 2024 (Friday): NFL Players Association (NFLPA) confirms it is monitoring the case, but has not filed an appeal. Sources indicate Hall may appeal the suspension to reduce the missed game.

Notably, no appeal has been filed yet, but the window remains open until October 22, giving Hall and the Seahawks time to decide whether to challenge the ruling.

Who Is Derick Hall? A Rising Star in the Making

To understand the significance of this suspension, you need to know who Derick Hall is—and why the Seahawks have high hopes for him.

Drafted in the second round (37th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hall was a standout pass rusher at Auburn University, where he recorded 18.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss over his college career. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, Hall was seen as a steal for Seattle, which has long struggled to find consistent edge rushers.

In his rookie season (2023), Hall played in 15 games, starting 6, and finished with 5.5 sacks and 47 tackles—solid numbers for a first-year linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. His development was a bright spot in a rebuilding defense.

In 2024, Hall has been elevated to a full-time starting role, playing opposite Uchenna Nwosu. He’s already logged 3.5 sacks and 31 tackles through six games, and his pass-rush win rate (17.2%) ranks in the top 20 among edge defenders, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Derick is the kind of player you build a defense around,” said a Seahawks insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He’s tough, smart, and plays with an edge. But now, he’s learning the fine line between aggression and recklessness.”

This suspension marks a critical moment in his early career—a test of maturity, discipline, and how he responds under pressure.

The Bigger Picture: NFL’s War on QB Hits

Hall’s suspension isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a longstanding trend by the NFL to protect quarterbacks at nearly all costs.

Since the league introduced stricter rules on late hits, low tackles, and roughness against QBs in the early 2010s, suspensions and fines for such violations have increased dramatically. In 2023 alone, the NFL handed out over 300 fines and 12 suspensions for unnecessary roughness—many targeting defensive players for hits on quarterbacks.

The rationale is clear: QBs are the league’s most valuable assets. Protecting them reduces injury risk, keeps stars on the field, and maintains competitive balance. But critics argue the rules have become too strict, sometimes punishing defenders for plays that look clean to the naked eye.

“The league wants to protect quarterbacks, and that’s fine,” said former NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly on The Rich Eisen Show. “But when you suspend a guy for a play that wasn’t even penalized, it feels like overreach.”

This tension is especially acute for young, aggressive pass rushers like Hall, who are still learning the nuances of timing, angle, and release recognition. One misstep—especially after the ball is thrown—can now cost them a game and thousands of dollars.

The NFL’s enforcement is also notoriously inconsistent. In Week 5, for example, T.J. Watt of the Steelers delivered a similar late hit on a quarterback but received only a $16,000 fine—no suspension. That disparity fuels frustration among players and fans alike.

Immediate Effects: What This Means Right Now

The suspension has several immediate consequences for the Seahawks, the NFL, and Hall himself.

1. Team Impact

With Hall out against the Falcons, Seattle’s pass rush takes a hit. The Falcons’ offensive line has struggled this season, but they’ll now face a less potent edge duo. Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor will need to step up, while rookie Tyreke Smith—a fifth-round pick—may see increased snaps.

The defense, which has been middle-of-the-pack in sacks and pressure rate, could lose momentum in a tight NFC West race.

2. Financial Hit

Hall will lose $58,000 in salary—money that can’t be recouped. For a player still on his rookie deal, that’s a meaningful chunk of income, especially when factoring in taxes and agent fees.

3. Reputation and Perception

While Hall has not been labeled a