Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon issued an apology to running back Emari Demercado during a team meeting on Monday following a heated sideline exchange during Sunday’s 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The incident occurred after Demercado prematurely released the football just before crossing the goal line on what would have been a 72-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The score would have extended Arizona’s lead to 28-6 with just over 12 minutes remaining. Instead, the blunder shifted momentum in Tennessee’s favor and sparked a comeback win — their first of the season — handing the Cardinals one of the most painful losses in franchise history.
A video circulating on social media captured Gannon approaching Demercado on the sideline while he was being comforted by left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. Gannon could be seen animatedly confronting the rookie before walking away, seemingly brushing against Demercado’s arm as he exited the interaction.
Reflecting on his reaction, Gannon admitted on Monday that his emotions got the better of him.
“I woke up this morning and didn’t feel great about it, honestly,” Gannon said. “I told the team that I let the moment get to me. My role is to stay emotionally composed and lead the team — to solve problems, not create them. That moment wasn’t who I am or who I want to be.”
Gannon emphasized that the blame didn’t rest solely on Demercado, noting that mistakes were made across the board.
“Everyone in that room made some kind of mistake that contributed to the loss. Mine just happened to be very visible. We’ve got to clean it all up moving forward.”
Despite the error, Gannon chose not to bench Demercado and confirmed there would be no further repercussions for the play.
“It’s about what’s best for the team,” he said. “That was a big moment in the game — a play that we need to execute. We pride ourselves on ball security, and we’ve executed that before. I just wanted to see it finished the right way.”
Gannon also delivered unfortunate injury news, announcing that second-year tight end Tip Reiman will be placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury.
“That’s a big loss,” Gannon noted.
