It took 1,012 minutes but with 8:11 to go in the fourth quarter of Week 18’s game, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon finally let his red challenge flag touch the grass.
Gannon threw the flag on a third-down completion to DK Metcalf which resulted in the play being overturned.
With 8:11 left in the season, Jonathan Gannon threw his challenge flag for the first time this year.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) January 7, 2024
It was the talk of the NFL media on Twitter:
“Challenge No. 1 for #AZCardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon,” Tyler Drake said.
Challenge No. 1 for #AZCardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. pic.twitter.com/owq3SzzWV6
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) January 7, 2024
“First challenge flag of the season for Jonathan Gannon comes with just over 8 minutes left in the season,” tweeted Bo Brack.
First challenge flag of the season for Jonathan Gannon comes with just over 8 minutes left in the season.
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) January 7, 2024
“With 8 minutes to go in his first season as a HC, Jonathan Gannon finally throws a challenge flag,” a Cardinals account laughed.
With 8 minutes to go in his first season as a HC, Jonathan Gannon finally throws a challenge flag😂
— Cardinals Update (@updatecardinals) January 7, 2024
“Jonathan Gannon has never had a challenge fail as an NFL Head coach. wow,” a user commented.
Jonathan Gannon has never had a challenge fail as an NFL Head coach. wow.
— vic (@redseavic) January 7, 2024
“1/1 on challenges in his coaching career. Jonathan Gannon everybody,” a fan replied.
1/1 on challenges in his coaching career. Jonathan Gannon everybody.
— 🃏 (@primmzx) January 7, 2024
Better late than never, right?