SEMO Football Drill Sparks Injury Debate

Viral video of high-contact 3-on-1 tackle drill raises concerns among former players and analysts.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the chaotic motion and physical intensity of a high-contact football tackle drill, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of the controversial SEMO football drill, deconstructing the high-contact tackle into a dynamic geometric study.Cape Girardeau Today

A video of a Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) football practice drill has gone viral, sparking a debate over player safety. The drill appears to show a high-contact 3-on-1 tackling exercise, which has drawn criticism from former NFL players and analysts who call it "nonsensical and dangerous." However, SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz and some former players have defended the drill, saying it is part of the program's physical style that has contributed to past successes.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate around the safety of certain football drills and practices, especially as the sport faces increased scrutiny over player health and concussion risks. The viral video has reignited discussions about finding the right balance between preparing players physically and protecting them from potential harm.

The details

The video appears to show a high-contact 3-on-1 drill where one player is tackled by three others at a low level. Former NFL safety Ryan Clark reacted on social media, saying the drill "has to be A.I. Can't be real." Former punter Adam Heston also criticized the drill, bringing up his own career-ending injury during a walkthrough at SEMO. However, others, including SEMO head coach Tom Matukewicz and former players, have defended the drill as part of the program's physical identity that has led to past successes.

  • The video of the drill went viral on social media in April 2026.

The players

Tom Matukewicz

The head coach of the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) football team, who has defended the controversial drill as part of the program's physical identity.

Ryan Clark

A former NFL safety and current analyst who criticized the SEMO drill on social media, calling it "nonsensical and dangerous."

Adam Heston

A former punter who criticized the SEMO drill, bringing up his own career-ending injury during a walkthrough at the university.

John Merritt

The head coach of De Smet Jesuit High School, who pushed back on the criticism of SEMO coach Tom Matukewicz, saying coaches should not bash drills they see on Twitter if they don't like them.

Darius Darden-Box

A former SEMO player who defended head coach Tom Matukewicz, calling him "a heck of a ball coach" who would not put players in harm's way.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This has to be A.I. Can't be real. I refuse to believe a coach would do this. It's nonsensical and dangerous.”

— Ryan Clark, Former NFL safety and analyst

“Tough to watch. Had my career ended, leg broken during a walkthrough punt drill at SEMO. Hoped it would be a learning moment so coaches would never put players at risk like that in practice again. Clearly things haven't changed....”

— Adam Heston, Former punter

“Hey coaches. Here is an idea. If you don't like a drill you see on Twitter, don't do it with your team. But to see a bunch of coaches and former players bashing Coach Tuke, calling for him to be fired when you don't know anything about the man? Get real.”

— John Merritt, De Smet Jesuit High School coach

“He's old school, a guy that will push you to a limit you didn't think you could reach. Everything we did was about being physical and playing fast.”

— Darius Darden-Box, Former SEMO player

“Great coach and still coaches the right way at SEMO. This is football when full speed equals zero injury.”

— Jason Brown, Appeared on 'Last Chance U'

What’s next

SEMO officials have not indicated any immediate plans to change or discontinue the controversial drill, but the debate over player safety is likely to continue as the program prepares for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the physical demands of football and the need to prioritize player health and safety. While some defend the drill as part of SEMO's identity, the viral video has reignited concerns about the risks of certain high-contact practices, especially as the sport faces increased scrutiny over concussions and long-term injuries.