Pro Duck Kayvon Thibodeaux Goes Full Deion Sanders in Clash with ESPN Reporter

Former Oregon great, first-round draft pick and unanimous All-American Kayvon Thibodeaux stonewalled ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan’s question after the New York Giants’ 28-6 home loss to Minnesota on Sunday.

In the locker room after a game in which the Giants star had zero tackles, no sacks, one quarterback pressure and a facemask penalty, Raanan asked, “You know that a lot is on you and the pass rush up front, that’s what this team is supposed to be built on. How much —”

Thibodeaux abruptly interrupted: “Anybody else got questions?”

The ESPN reporter quickly regrouped and asked Thibodeaux if “that was a bad question.”

Thibodeaux’s response was curious, given that he graduated with a degree in journalism and advertising from the UO before turning pro, earned in just three years. He had a bad game. Part of his job is answering questions about it.

With a clean pocket, Vikings QB Sam Darnold had a field day, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns as the visitors sailed to an easy victory despite preseason concerns about the offensive line.

The third-year pro had a great season in 2023, breaking out with 50 tackles, 11 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles, even scoring a defensive touchdown, nearly making the Pro Bowl.

In training camp he told reporters that he wanted to become one of the greats, but this exchange isn't the way to go about it. On social media fans labeled it "soft," "weak," and "disappointing."

The Giants are on the road over the next two weeks with games at Washington and Cleveland. They’re not home again until Sept. 26 when they host the Dallas Cowboys.