Jonathan Gannon
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon left reporters in complete silence over a bizarre answer during a press conference on Wednesday.
Gannon has been in hot water in recent weeks over a sideline incident during the Cardinals’ game against the Tennessee Titans.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cardinals running back Emari Demercado broke free for what should have been a 72-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for both him and the team, Demercado dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line.
The result was a fumble that landed out of bounds in the end zone, resulting in no touchdown and the Titans starting a drive at the Cardinals’ 20-yard line.
The Cardinals went on to lose the game 22-21.
After the fumble, Gannon immediately fumed on Demercado. A video recorded from the stands showed an incensed Gannon screaming at the running back and even appearing to hit him. The NFL fined the coach $100,000, and Gannon has since apologized for the outburst.
ESPN reporting the #AZCardinals are fining head coach Jonathan Gannon $100K for his sideline exchange with RB Emari Demercado.
Gannon apologized to Demercado and the team yesterday… and said Demercado wouldn't face any punishment for dropping the ball before the end zone.… pic.twitter.com/lwqgPfo7Zz
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) October 7, 2025
During Wednesday’s presser, a reporter asked Gannon how early in his career he had to “start trying to figure out how to take the emotion out of coaching.” The report specifically cited the numerous injuries afflicting the Cardinals as a potential source of frustration.
Gannon took his answer where no one expected it
“[In] 2007,” he said, “when our quarterback went to jail.”
Back in 2007, Gannon was the defensive quality control coach of the Atlanta Falcons. At the time, quarterback Michael Vick was incarcerated for his role in the notorious dog-fighting case.
No one said a word for several seconds until the presser finally ended.
Cardinals head coach Jon Gannon on when he learned to take emotion out of the equation of coaching:
“2007, when our quarterback went to jail.” He was in Atlanta in 2007 pic.twitter.com/IJzpXe2ARm
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 15, 2025
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