Madison Beer has been brutally blamed for Justin Herbert’s below-par start to the season by a former NFL star.
Ex-Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward, a Super Bowl champion, tore into Herbert’s relationship as the reason for his disappointing performances in the first two games of the year.
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the season with high hopes, especially for the offense with Herbert operating under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
But they have lost their first two games, both by a 26-14 scoreline, against two unfancied teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.
Herbert has struggled in both games, after getting engaged to famous singer-songwriter Beer during the offseason.
Beer has been a regular presence supporting him at SoFi Stadium, but Ward launched an astonishing attack on their relationship and its impact on the former Oregon quarterback.
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have had a shocking start to the new NFL season
Herbert’s partner Madison Beer was shown supporting him from the stands in Week 1
Former NFL safety T.J. Ward has blamed Herbert’s relationship with Beer for his performances
Speaking on the Speakeasy podcast, Ward said: ‘When you get a girl, the little extra time you demand spending on your craft, she’s demanding it. There’s going to be a downfall coming. You’re going to get worse.
‘The time you’re on the couch watching film, she’s gonna be all up under you. The time you spend your Friday nights at home, she wants to go to dinner.
‘The time you’re rehabbing or staying late in the facility… now, you’ve got to go home and kick it with your girlfriend, especially if she’s famous. Now, you’ve got cameras on you. Your offseason is in Europe and taking photoshoots….
‘As soon as you start having a lack of success, Justin, this girl, Beer, she’s using you, buddy. She’s going to be out of there… Get back on your craft. She’s ruining it.’
While some may agree with his comments, Ward faced backlash for crossing a line by blaming Herbert’s personal life and relationship for his on-field struggles.
‘Speaking on another man’s future wife and relationship is disgusting,’ wrote one social media user. ‘Please delete this platform.’
‘This was so weird,’ said one, and another added: ‘Always keep it between the lines… always in the field and what the film shows… never bring something from the family or personal stuff,’ commented this user.
‘By this logic, everyone in the NFL should be single because their girlfriend could be a distraction,’ replied another fan.
Former NFL player Breidan Fehoko, who played with Herbert on the Chargers for three years, said: ‘Lame… All you clowns at Speakeasy… Give a sports opinion, cool. Y’all got no clue how to read a room… Stop talking about people’s family. If it’s football, leave it at that.’
Herbert and the Chargers will look to get their season back on track on Sunday, but their schedule is getting no easier.
They are on the road to the red-hot Buffalo Bills before heading back west to take on the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field the following week.
