Frankie Luvu has made the headlines this week. And for once, it was not for the right reasons.
The Washington Commanders linebacker was initially suspended for one game after his third hip-drop tackle of the season in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks. Luvu had this rescinded on appeal, and the $100,000 fine he incurred is far less than the $500,000 he would have forfeited by missing a regular-season game.
Accusations about being a dirty player have inevitably followed. As someone who's covered Luvu's career since he was signed by the Carolina Panthers, that is a false statement. He plays on the edge, but there is never anything malicious in the way he goes about his business on the field.
Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu claps back amid 'dirty player' criticism
These criticisms have been heard by Luvu, as evidenced by his comments to Scott Abraham of 7News DC. The former Washington State standout clapped back, claiming that's not who he is, and anyone who's been around him or played with him knows it.
"Everything I've worked for is kind of out there. To me, and to all my family, they're seeing that. Also, my peers are looking towards me and like, we don't respect Frankie Luvu because he's dirty, and all those lines, or whatever the headline may be. My teammates know who I am. The people who know me and who are around me know who I am, as a player and as a person. None of my intentions are trying to get out there and trying to hurt somebody. I try to play the right way. I control what I can control. I can't control what other people think about it."
Frankie Luvu
Commanders LB Frankie Luvu will play on Sunday vs. Detroit.
His suspension has been lifted.
Luvu is concerned though that there's a perception out there that he's a dirty player.
He said, "my teammates know who I am...none of my intentions is try to hurt somebody." pic.twitter.com/2L4vLLLpGj
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 5, 2025
This cannot impact the way Luvu approaches things. He's a relentless, instinctive force who surged to career highs with the Commanders last season. Things haven't gone as well this time around amid a changing role, but he must not become hesitant in the line of fire for fear of tarnishing his reputation or getting suspended.
The Commanders' defense needs Luvu to be dynamic, aggressive, and impactful. This saga has the scope to mess with his mindset, especially if the second-level enforcer has time to think about a tackle. That's only going to diminish his influence further, so Washington's staff and players need to rally around the second-team All-Pro in pursuit of keeping him on an even keel.
Luvu is a physical player. That shouldn't alter just because the NFL is looking to make an example out of somebody halfway through the 2025 campaign.