To stiff-arm is defined by Google as “to tackle or fend off by extending an arm rigidly”.
In case you’re unsure quite how that might look like, have no fear, because this example from Vance McDonald on his way to scoring a touchdown in the NFL is a pristine example.
THAT STIFF ARM! ?
?: ESPN #PITvsTBpic.twitter.com/bkwecFImkh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 25, 2018
Ouch.
The Pittsburgh Steelers tight end’s powerful fend-off on Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Chris Conte paved the way for a 75-yard run to the end zone, which helped his team to a 30-27 win.
The remarkable play from the first quarter has been the talk of American footballers on social media too.
Oh my goodness that was rude by McDonald ?
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 25, 2018
Man I’m weak!!! 1) why was he so open 2) Ain’t nothing like getting mushed in front of your mom.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 25, 2018
Bruh!! I just can’t get over how hard dude just got punched. It was so disrespectful. Man forget the flags on Clay Matthews. That should be a flag for bullying!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 25, 2018
In fairness to poor Conte, he didn’t stand much of a chance, weighing 64lbs (29kg) less than McDonald according to ESPN.
McDonald said of the stiff arm after the match: “Punish him. Inflict as much force on him as possible. That’s the first thing I think of.
“I love contact. If a DB or a safety wants to take me up high, God bless him. Because I’m going to hit him hard. That’s my goal.”
Find a friend who looks at you the way @CamHeyward looks at Vance McDonald after this stiff arm. #PITvsTB pic.twitter.com/WFuZR7kfqP
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) September 25, 2018
Who’d be a defender eh?
