Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is being called out by fans online after an “awkward” on-air conversation with ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge.
After leading his team to a 22-19 overtime win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, Dec. 8, Herbert attempted to dodge a post-game debrief with Rutledge.
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In the viral video, Herbert was approached by the sideline reporter for a routine interview, but his reaction is drawing criticism. Viewers called the moment “rude” and disrespectful after he continued walking away while Rutledge attempted to stop him for comment.
“No, I’m trying to celebrate with my team,” Herbert said to Rutledge.
“No, I know, but can we just talk to you real fast?” she asked him in a second attempt while Herbert continued walking towards his team. Herbert eventually stopped, allowing Rutledge to ask him three short questions.
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“What was it like to watch the interception there that sealed this game for you guys to get this win?” she asked.
“Yeah, the defense played incredible,” Herbert responded. “They came up with so many big stops today. So proud to be able to play for those guys, and the way they compete down in and down out is really fun to watch.”
Rutledge then asked Herbert about his broken hand and how he’s feeling after getting tackled multiple times during the game.
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“I’m feeling pretty good, thank you,” he replied.
The last question the ESPN reporter asked was Herbert’s thoughts on the Chargers’ ability to pull off the win in overtime, especially against a strong team like the Eagles.
“Yeah, not the way we drew it up but the battle in these guys, it’s so much fun and I’m honored to be apart of this team,” he said. “They never quit. It’s just fun to be apart of and we’ll watch the film and keep getting better at it, but we’ll keep moving forward.”
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After the interview ended, the hosts in the ESPN studio complimented Rutledge for doing a “great job.”
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Once the video was posted to social media platforms, football fans called out the player for how he handled the interview.
“Pretty rude. He’s not new. Post-game winning QB interviews are part of the job. No reason to act like that,” wrote one user on X. “Pretty sure these interviews are in the billions of dollars NFL-ESPN contract. Man up and finish your job, kid.” commented another.
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“This is a part of his job as a professional. And what exactly is he celebrating at the moment that he can’t celebrate after this :30 interview? Be better Justin,” added a third. “Getting paid hundreds of millions of dollars and then getting mad they want to interview you lol.” said a fourth.
Others called post-game interviews “pointless,” yet acknowledged that Herbert could have handled the interaction better.
Herbert has yet to address the controversy publicly.
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The Los Angeles Chargers play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. ET.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.