Travon Walker
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Jacksonville Jaguars defender Travon Walker was ejected against the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was a less than ideal Sunday for one former No. 1 NFL draft pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to come away with a thrilling overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, but the team did so without star defender Travon Walker for much of the game.
The former No. 1 pick was ejected after punching Raiders offensive linemen Stone Forsythe in the helmet. It is never ideal to punch someone in the helmet given the player is in danger of hurting their hand. In addition to being ejected from the game, Walker will now have to await word on whether the NFL will suspend the Jaguars defender.
Here’s a look at Walker’s punch that prompted an ejection and puts the star in danger of further punishment from the NFL.
SleeperJaguars
If Bo Jackson did Baseball and Football, I think Travon Walker could add boxing to the resume 🥊🥊
Jaguars Pass Rusher Travon Walker Will Await Word From the NFL on a Potential Suspension
The NFL does not often suspend a player who has been ejected, but it typically within consideration on a case by case basis. During the NFL season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected after spitting on Dak Prescott.
The NFL opted not to suspend Carter after ruling that the ejection was a sufficient punishment. Fans can expect the league will likely do something similar for Walker’s punch, but further punishment cannot be ruled out.
Travon Walker’s Punch Fits the NFL’s Rules for an Immediate Ejection
At the very least, Walker is in danger of a hefty fine. Walker’s actions did fit the NFL’s criteria for an immediate ejection based on the rulebook. Here’s how the NFL rules describe the criteria for a player being ejection.
“In addition to any penalty referenced elsewhere in the Official Playing Rules, a player will be automatically disqualified if that player is penalized twice in the same game for committing one of the unsportsmanlike conduct fouls listed below, or a combination of the fouls listed below:
A) Throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent, even though no contact is made.
B) Using abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials, or representatives of the League.
C) Using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams.”
Former No. 1 Pick Travon Walker is on a 4-Year, $37 Million Contract
Despite being the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Walker has had an inconsistent pro career. Walker is in the final season of a four-year, $37 million rookie contract.
Jacksonville picked up the club option for Walker’s 2026 campaign which is slated to give the defender a $15.1 million salary. Spotrac projects that Walker’s market value is a four-year, $72.3 million deal, if the pass rusher eventually hits free agency. This will not be possible until 2027, at the soonest, for Walker.
During the offseason, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen revealed that Walker was making a good first impression.
“He’s very serious, but also has just a very genuine, honest way of approaching conversation,” Coen said of Walker back in July, per FanSided’s Black and Teal. “He asks a lot, he’ll ask me questions that not a lot of players will ask.
“I’m not saying it’s more mature than others, but it is for a younger player. It just has a good feel for people, for the team, for the guys, and just ultimately what he wants to accomplish in his career and for this team. “