Brady Henderson, ESPN's dedicated Seahawks reporter, has shared a detailed written statement from his exclusive interview with NFL Referee Clay Martin regarding the controversial taunting penalty called against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq "Riq" Woolen. The statement was posted on the social media platform X, shedding light on the officiating decision that significantly impacted the game's momentum.
Official Explanation of the Taunting Penalty
When specifically asked what prompted the penalty flag against Woolen, Referee Clay Martin provided a clear explanation. "The covering official had him walking towards and into the opponent's bench, continuing to jaw after repeated efforts by the official to have him turn away and go to his own bench," Martin stated in his written response. "When he chose not to do so, that's what rose to the level of a foul."
Martin further clarified that Woolen's infraction wasn't about specific verbal content. When questioned if Woolen had said anything particularly offensive, the referee responded, "No, just continued jawing in the opponent's bench area after being asked to walk away." This emphasizes that the penalty was primarily about persistent behavior and location rather than specific language used.
How the Penalty Changed the Game
The Seattle Seahawks were leading the Los Angeles Rams 31-20 in what appeared to be a commanding position. The Rams were desperately searching for ways to disrupt Seattle's defensive rhythm, and they found their opportunity in the third quarter through Woolen's penalty.
The Critical Play Sequence
On a crucial third-and-12 situation, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford attempted a deep pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua, who was being covered by Woolen. The Seahawks cornerback successfully broke up the pass, with color commentator Tom Brady later noting that it "should have easily been an interception" by Woolen. The incomplete pass should have ended the drive, but what happened next proved costly.
According to reporting by The Athletic's Saad Yousaf, Woolen positioned himself near the Rams sideline and began talking toward Los Angeles personnel. Despite a referee waving him to move along, Woolen persisted, crossing in front of the official and walking back toward the Rams sideline while continuing to jaw in that direction. This prompted the taunting flag that gave the Rams new life.
The Costly Consequence
The 15-yard penalty provided the Rams with a fresh set of downs at a critical juncture. From first-and-10 at the Seattle 34-yard line, Matthew Stafford connected with Puka Nacua on a deep pass down the left sideline. This time, Nacua created separation from Woolen, beating him by several yards before making the catch and falling backward into the endzone for a touchdown.
What had been a comfortable 31-20 Seahawks lead suddenly tightened to 31-27 after Nacua's touchdown, giving the Rams renewed momentum and putting pressure on Seattle's defense. Despite this setback, the Seahawks maintained their composure and ultimately secured victory over the Rams, advancing to the Super Bowl where they will face the Drake Maye-led New England Patriots on February 8, 2026.
Woolen's Social Media Apology
The 26-year-old University of Texas at San Antonio alumnus addressed the incident on social media platform X with a creative apology. Woolen shared a meme featuring Mort, the tiny, cute mouse lemur character from the animated film Madagascar known for his innocent demeanor and large, expressive eyes.
In the adapted meme, Mort asks, "I'm sorry. Do you still love me??" Woolen captioned his post by tagging both the NFL and Seattle Seahawks accounts with the message, "no more taunting penalties." He further elaborated in the comments section, writing, "No cap high intense game and when you in the zone and ballin with your bros sometimes you black out."
This lighthearted approach to acknowledging the penalty demonstrates Woolen's recognition of his mistake while maintaining the competitive spirit that defines professional football. The incident serves as a reminder of how emotional moments in high-stakes games can lead to costly penalties that alter game outcomes, even for talented players like Woolen who otherwise performed well in coverage situations.
