Recently, NFL analyst and former player Emmanuel Acho gave a take where he offered his support for Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who previously coached the Cleveland Browns.
What followed however was a shot from former Jacksonville Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette, who took aim at Acho for being a backup player and for his seemingly underwhelming professional career.
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Acho now clapped back at Fournette by pointing out some of the shortcomings in the Buccaneers Super Bowl champion’s own NFL resume.
“Let’s not talk about NFL careers (@_fournette) because if we’re being honest (top 5 pick), we both had disappointing ones, there’s a reason you’re holding a mic now. So let’s talk about your take…
– @EmmanuelAcho responds to Fournette after attacking his career over a Kevin… pic.twitter.com/js8H8EDE3t
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) March 23, 2026
“Obviously my career [was] not good at all … backup, all the things. But I was a sixth round pick. I probably should have been,” Acho said on his show “Speakeasy.”
“Leonard Fournette won a Super Bowl, I’m happy for him. But why you got a podcast in your hand? Why don’t you have a football in your hand?
“Because eight running backs drafted after Leonard Fournette were still in the league last year … so let’s not talk about careers. Because if we’re being honest, based on where we were drafted, we both underwhelmed in the NFL.”
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Emmanuel Acho doesn’t hold back
The former linebacker, who spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, also further defended his take about Stefanski before continuing to roast Fournette’s current career prospects.
In particular, Acho pointed out how Fournette compares to other NFL running backs who are still playing in the league.
Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) rushes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) in the first half during the wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
“There’s no need to talk about credentials, I didn’t have a good NFL career,” Acho said.
“But [if] we start talking about credentials, I gotta start mentioning the fact that Samaje Perine, drafted after you, still in the league. Aaron Jones, [drafted] after you, still in the league.
“Christian McCaffrey drafted after you, still in the league. I gotta start mentioning Austin Ekeler, drafted after you, still in the league.”
Dec 22, 2019; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (27) breaks a tackle by Atlanta Falcons safety Ricardo Allen (37) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
With his response, Acho sure pointed out that perhaps both he, as well as Fournette, didn’t quite have the pro careers that they were hoping for.
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