Richard Sherman vindicates the Steelers in Joey Porter Jr. rant after Cowboys loss

Joey Porter Jr. did not play for the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a reported illness.

The setback comes just a matter of days after Porter made the move from the Pittsburgh Steelers to join the Cowboys. However, his start to life in Dallas has not exactly been smooth sailing as he missed the defeat to the Buccaneers.

Porter’s absence was put down to illness but it is already being scrutinised by a number of people in the media. For some, it feels a bit too convenient that Porter missed the game amid his ongoing contract debacle.

Richard Sherman is one of the people questioning Porter. The cornerback was seen exiting the stadium on Thursday night but Sherman believed there may be more to his absence than what was suggested by the Cowboys.

Sherman knows what it takes to become a success in the NFL as a cornerback and he has shared his doubts over Porter’s reported illness. Speaking on Thursday Night Football, the former Seattle Seahawk mentioned Porter’s ongoing demands for a new deal.

“You can expect one of the best players in the National Football League. He played the corner position and hasn’t given up a touchdown in man coverage since 2023. I think they can build a really cool defence around him,” said Sherman.

Richard Sherman on Joey Porter Jr.’s illness tonight: “Maybe if they would’ve gave him a new contract, he would’ve been a little healthier today.”Wow. pic.twitter.com/3zzHGfsoG7

“I think maybe if they had given him a new contract, he’d have been a little healthier today. I’m speculating right now. They’re saying it’s legitimate but I’m speculating.”

The team stood firm on their claim that Porter missed the game on Thursday through illness which may well be the case. However, Sherman’s point relates to the notion that had the Cowboys provided Porter with the new deal he wants then perhaps he would have battled through his illness to play.

Porter was seemingly well enough to make the trip to the stadium but not able to go through with his duties on the field. Had he been paid like a top cornerback – as he demands – perhaps Cowboys fans would have seen him feel obliged to live up to his contract.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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