The New York Giants had a nightmare start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and one play stood out for all the wrong reasons. Offensive lineman James Hudson tried a blocking move that looked more like a boxing jab than an NFL technique.
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle James Hudson III (55) is called for a unnecessary roughness after a play against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Fans couldn’t stop laughing online, turning the ugly drive into comedy gold. From boxing jokes to penalty complaints, Hudson’s rough stretch became the main story of the Giants’ opening drive.
Fans Question Whether James Hudson’s Move Was an Open-Hand Swing or a Boxing Punch
Hudson lined up at tackle during the Giants’ first drive, and things went downhill fast. He was flagged for penalties on four different plays, piling up 40 yards of mistakes. Instead of a clean block, Hudson tried an open-handed swing at a Cowboys defender, earning a flag for unnecessary roughness. Some thought it looked like a move straight out of a fight night.
The video of him trying out a new blocking technique quickly went viral online. Popular social media platform X users flooded the internet with reactions, jokingly calling it “a new blocking method.”
Giants T James Hudson trying out a new blocking methodpic.twitter.com/yoqnoXdFr3
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 14, 2025
One fan joked under the video in comment section,“Somebody was definitely watching boxing last night.”
The second fan added,“He doesn’t want to be there today lol.”
The unusual blocking style even had the third fan calling him the“Deacon Jones (OL version).”
Hudson’s form didn’t just surprise opponents, it stunned Giants fans who couldn’t believe what they were watching. But the player himself differed from others for some reasons.
James Hudson Upset About Being Benched
Hudson wasn’t thrilled about being taken out of the game. After getting flagged four times on a single drive, the Giants decided to bench him to let him cool off and refocus. It was something no player has done this century, reports Fox Sports broadcast.
Hudson has a fiery style and brings big hits, but sometimes that aggression leads to costly penalties. He did all of this in under two minutes in just a few plays.
James Hudson of the Giants did all of this in less than two clock minutes. pic.twitter.com/t8sj0G3UFE
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 14, 2025
Coach Brian Daboll said earlier, “He’s fit really well within the offensive line group,” showing that Hudson has the talent and work ethic to succeed.
In football though, it’s not just about hitting hard, one has to play smart and stay out of the penalty box.
If Hudson can learn to control his energy, pick his spots, and balance power with discipline, he could turn this rough start into strong plays for the Giants. Right now, it’s all about learning to play with intensity and control.
Hudson may have been trying something new, but it didn’t work out. His helmet-first blocking move turned into one of the strangest moments of the week and fans wasted no time roasting him for it.
Whether the Giants stick with him or bench him, Hudson’s name will be remembered for all the wrong reasons after a drive filled with flags and fan entertainment.