Lions Lose $45M Star After Celebrating Sack in Germany
Aidan Hutchinson and Drake Maye were both hurt in Munich.
In Munich, Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players, suffered a knee injury while celebrating a sack of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during Sunday's game. This sack led to an ankle injury for Maye, who was the runner-up for the NFL's MVP award last season, forcing her to miss the game.
The play sparked debates about whether Hutchinson's tackle on Maye was illegal. Hutchinson's injury, affecting his right knee, could significantly impact the Lions' chances in the NFC North race. His four-year, $180 million contract extension makes him the NFL's 17th-highest-paid player, according to Front Office Sports rankings.
Hutchinson had previously missed most of the 2024 season after fracturing his left leg. Some spectators questioned if Hutchinson's hit on Maye was an illegal hip-drop tackle, although the league has fined players for such acts despite no penalty being given in this instance. The Patriots initially considered Maye questionable to return, but she was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The game took place at the Allianz Arena, the home field of soccer giant Bayern Munich, which has experienced field condition issues in the past during international NFL games.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
