One of the NFL’s most heated Week 13 controversies has reached a breaking point — and now, a public apology.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has formally apologized after a storm of backlash from Cleveland Browns players, including stars Shelby Harris and Myles Garrett, who blasted Jennings for his comments trash made while Maliek Collins — a former 49ers defensive tackle in the 2025 season — was lying injured on the field.
The situation escalated rapidly after Sunday’s postgame availability, when Browns DT Shelby Harris unloaded on Jennings, calling him “soft,” “disrespectful,” and saying what Jennings said during Collins’ injury was “the kind of thing you should never say to another man.”
#Browns DT Shelby Harris says #49ers WR Jauan Jennings was talking dirty while Maliek Collins was getting carted off today.
“He’s a hoe. I see why he got punched in the nuts. … I’m surprised no one punched him in the jaw yet.”
Minutes later, Browns captain Myles Garrett added fuel to the flames, telling reporters that the league “needs to look into this kind of behavior” and accusing Jennings of lacking respect for an injured player — especially one who once wore the same 49ers uniform.
#Browns DT Shelby Harris says #49ers WR Jauan Jennings was talking dirty while Maliek Collins was getting carted off today.
“He’s a hoe. I see why he got punched in the nuts. … I’m surprised no one punched him in the jaw yet.”
Their comments immediately triggered a wave of reaction across the Browns locker room.
By late Sunday night, more than a dozen Browns players — veterans and rookies alike — had signed a written petition urging the NFL to open an official investigation into Jennings’ conduct and consider potential disciplinary action.
According to team sources, the paper was circulated organically among defensive players, with each signing their name beneath the statement:
“Injuries are not moments for disrespect. We call on the NFL to review this incident and uphold accountability.”
Multiple Browns players shared the sentiment publicly, posting variations of “Respect the game” and “Stand on integrity” across social media.
Facing rising public scrutiny, Jennings issued a formal statement through the 49ers organization on Monday morning — with a message directed not just to the Browns, but specifically to Maliek Collins, his former teammate.
“I want to publicly apologize to Maliek Collins — someone who has worn this uniform and earned respect in this league. What I said in that moment was unacceptable and crossed a line, especially with a player down. I also apologize to both organizations and to fans. I take full responsibility and I’m committed to being better.”
Team insiders say Jennings requested that Collins receive the statement first before it was released publicly.
While the team has not announced any discipline, the 49ers made it clear Jennings’ apology aligned with internal expectations.
A team spokesperson said privately that the organization valued “accountability, respect, and situational awareness,” especially in emotionally charged moments.
Sources close to Collins — who spent the 2024 season with the 49ers before signing with Cleveland — say the veteran DT appreciated the apology and intends to address the situation publicly once medical staff provides final updates on his injury.
League officials have confirmed they have received Cleveland’s petition, and the incident is now under formal review as part of the NFL’s standard postgame disciplinary process. No timetable has been announced.
As both teams shift toward the final month of the regular season, the fallout continues to ripple across the league — a stark reminder of the emotional volatility of NFL battles and the unwritten rules surrounding injuries.
For now, Jennings’ apology marks a step toward resolution. Whether it ends the controversy may depend on the league’s next move — and on what happens the next time these two teams meet.
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