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Bradley Bozeman’s reaction to the Chargers’ Justin Herbert’s “dirty hit” is foundational

Bradley Bozeman’s reaction to the Chargers’ Justin Herbert’s “dirty hit” is foundational

Justin Herbert tries to pull away Bradley Bozeman, who reacted to a tackle by Nathan Shepherd (bottom).

Justin Herbert tries to pull away center Bradley Bozeman, who reacted to a tackle by Chargers quarterback Nathan Shepherd (bottom). Bozeman and Shepherd were called upon to offset unnecessary roughness penalties. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

After Bradley Bozeman became football’s version of Batman – dispensing vigilante justice by pinning Saints defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd to the turf after dangerously taking down quarterback Justin Herbert – the Chargers’ wife, Nikki Bozeman, returned home from SoFi Stadium on Sunday evening with hope that the reaction would simply be in favor of the family.

With the Chargers strengthening, it was even better.

After the Chargers used Bozeman’s viral vigilante moment to share information about Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation on social media, over 150 fans donated to the foundation charitable efforts to address food insecurity and combat bullying. Thanks to multiple donations of $10 to No. 10 or $75 to No. 75, the foundation quickly raised over $3,700.

“It really was just a sports moment and then it turned into something that was really cool because we were able to help our foundation,” Nikki said.

Nikki and Bradley received messages thanking him for defending Herbert during a play that the center described as “some of the dirtiest” he had ever seen.

Herbert had already sent the ball to running back JK Dobbins when Shepherd awkwardly sprained the quarterback’s right ankle, dragging him to the ground.

Read more:Chargers-Saints takeaways: Ladd McConkey has good hands and two touchdowns to win

Bozeman lunged at Shepherd to push him away from Herbert in retaliation, Fox announcer Chris Myers noted that Fox announcer Chris Myers could be seen as an unofficial continuation of the Bozemans’ anti-bullying campaign.

The couple initially started a foundation to educate children about the dangers of bullying. Bradley, a two-time national champion at Alabama, and Nikki, a forward for the Crimson Tide basketball team, who founded schools near Tuscaloosa. Soon they were invited to speak at schools across the state. After Bradley was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, the appearances turned into a nationwide RV tour that included 20 schools in 18 states before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hearing the voices of children during the pandemic, the Bozemans have focused on food insecurity, partnering with food banks to pack snack boxes that police officers hand out to children in low-income neighborhoods. Through the program, which already operates in Baltimore and Charlotte, North Carolina, the Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation has distributed 3.5 million meals.

After the seven-year pro signed with the Chargers in the offseason, the Bozemans began working with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to finalize plans to expand the SYNC program — which serves neighbors and the community — with snack boxes in Los Angeles. Nikki’s intention is to ensure that “the hardest hit ZIP codes” are at the top of the list.

In addition to financial contributions, the foundation is looking for volunteers to help pack the boxes. Volunteers can apply via the website contact page on the foundation’s website.

Justin Herbert pats the back of Bradley Bozeman's helmetJustin Herbert pats the back of Bradley Bozeman's helmet

Herbert (10) thanks Bozeman (75) after the center came to his aid. (Ryan Sun/Associated Press)

Chargers players and staff, including the coach Jim Harbaughshe volunteered for Charlotte earlier this season. With about 50 Chargers in attendance, the group set a record by packing 1,000 boxes in 26 minutes.

“Coming for two hours is a lot more than you can give us in terms of money,” Nikki said. “Having you come in, help out, be pioneers in the field, and have the experience with us to make a difference in our community is exponentially (more) helpful to us than anything else.”

The couple, who got engaged after the 2018 Alabama state football championship when Bradley proposed amid a shower of confetti on the field, have long been involved in community service.

Nikki, a 6-foot-4 forward whose 88 career blocks ranked sixth in Alabama history when she graduated in 2016, was a Senior CLASS nominee and a nominee for the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team, which honors athletes. who have demonstrated dedication to serving in their communities.

Bradley is a three-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, winning the honor twice in Baltimore and once in Carolina.

Read more:The Chargers take Jim Harbaugh’s sometimes hilarious words very seriously

Given Bradley’s brilliant nature, Nikki was shocked to see his reaction on Sunday. She had only seen this side of her husband once: when another man wouldn’t leave her alone in a bar. Bradley pushed him against the wall.

“Coming from Bradley, someone for whom this is not normal, this is not normal, you really know that something serious has happened,” Nikki said.

Bozeman told Nikki he saw Shepherd look toward Herbert’s right ankle, which the quarterback injured in Week 2, and then continued to twist Herbert’s leg, dragging him to the ground. Fox policy analyst Mike Pereira called the infraction “cruel” on the telecast.

After hearing criticism of the game, Saints coach Dennis Allen said he disagreed.

“I don’t think it’s accurate,” he told reporters on Monday. “Here’s a guy trying to wrap around the quarterback. He’s lying on the ground. He has no idea whether the quarterback has the ball or not. He’s just trying to bring the quarterback down. There was nothing malicious about this game. He’s a guy trying to play.”

Offensive penalties negated the Chargers’ first down, but spurred the team’s first touchdown drive of the game, a 15-play, 90-yard march that ended with a one-yard run by Dobbins.

Harbaugh said in the locker room afterward that everyone deserved the game ball for the winning effort, but singled out about a half-dozen players, including Herbert, rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and running back J.K. Scott.

Bozeman received the loudest applause.

DJ Chark Jr. close to returning

On Wednesday, winger DJ Chark Jr. (groin) was limited in practice, but said if he continues his current streak, he may be able to make his long-awaited season debut in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

The defenseman is entering the final week of his 21-day window to return after being activated from injured reserve on October 16.

Chargers DJ Chark Jr. Receiver runs after being caught.Chargers DJ Chark Jr. Receiver runs after being caught.

The Chargers would like to finally have receiver DJ Charek Jr. on their roster. (Gregory Bull/Associated Press)

The Chargers have until Nov. 4 to move Charek to the active roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

With Quentin Johnston (ankle) and Derius Davis (hamstring) returning to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing two games, Chark believed the receiving group would soon be able to take the field together as intended.

“I can’t wait to play with my guys,” Chark said. “I love these guys, they are great teammates. I’m just excited to come on the field, lift a weight – nothing more, nothing less – and help the team win.

E.t.c.

Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) and cornerback Denzel Perryman (toe) did not practice Wednesday. … Outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) was limited after playing 19 snaps against the Saints in his first game appearance since Week 3.

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This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Times.