Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demarcado helped cost his team a game Sunday with one of the most boneheaded errors any player can make. One day later, however, it was his head coach who was offering a public apology.
Demercado dropped the ball before crossing the goal line while prematurely celebrating a touchdown during Sunday’s 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans, a move that ultimately cost his team the game (video here). After the play, replays on the sideline showed Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon ripping into Demercado and dressing him down publicly over the error. Gannon even appeared to strike Demercado in frustration at one point.
I don’t think many people caught Gannon absolutely ripping Demarcado a new one after that fumble. pic.twitter.com/cZURmsVLIm
— Travis (@x_is_a_timesuck) October 6, 2025
Gannon addressed that video on Monday and apologized for losing his cool. The coach said he had addressed it with his team, and that he fell short of his own standards by failing to keep his cool in that situation.
Gannon said in regards to the video circulating how he interacted with Emari Demercado on sideline, he addressed it with the team Monday morning. Said he prides himself on being even keeled in heat of moment.
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) October 6, 2025
“It’s not who I am. It’s not who I want to be.”
Most fans probably wouldn’t blame Gannon for reacting the way he did. If anything, they were probably just as angry with Demercado.
Ultimately, one of the jobs of an NFL head coach is to keep his head and make tough decisions in chaotic situations. As dumb as the mistake was, there are probably some other players that felt sympathy for Demercado in that situation. Plus, most will want to know that their coach has their back in public, even if they make a mistake they are at fault for.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell made a similar mistake one week earlier and was ultimately demoted for it. Demercado may face a similar fate, and that will likely be much more effective in sending a message than screaming at him on the sideline will prove to be.
