Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone accused a Dallas Cowboys fan of making a “racist comment” about him while critiquing a controversial call from the Lions’ Week 14 win.
Facing third-and-3, Dak Prescott targeted tight end Jake Ferguson in the end zone with Anzalone covering him late in the fourth quarter. Ferguson made a cut and gained a step on Anzalone before Prescott’s throw bounced off Ferguson’s hands, resulting in no gain.
A flag was thrown as the officials called Ferguson for pass interference. The Cowboys settled for a field goal to pull within seven points in an eventual 44-30 loss.
A Cowboys fan shared a video with his critique of the call, which included what Anzalone deemed a derogatory misnomer: “Alex Calzone.”
“This is NOT offensive pass interference by Jake Ferguson,” the fan wrote. “Alex Calzone gets beaten so bad that he dupes the refs into thinking he was pushed away.”
Anzalone’s response garnered 6.6 million views on X.
“We just gonna let the racist comment slide,” Anzalone, an Italian-American, asked.
What followed was fanfare in the comments.
Lions Fans React to Alex Anzalone Accusing Cowboys Fan of ‘Racist Comment’
The comments of Anzalone’s response were filled with references to “The Sopranos,” which didn’t help push back against Italian stereotypes.
“Unfortunately, yes,” one fan replied to Anzalone’s question. “Because we are Italian and one of the most unprotected groups out there,Lumped in with the WASP, white crowd when convenient for everyone But still berated for being provolone eaters who are characters from the godfather.”
One fan suggested Anzalone lean into the comment: “Rock up to the next game with a ‘The Calzone’ shirt.”
Many Lions fans chimed in that the Calzone reference may be better than their other nickname for Anzalone.
Another fan suggested that the misnomer may have been unintentional.
Probably auto corrected for him and didn’t even notice,” the fan commented. “I had to read it myself three times before I saw it.”
Alex Anzalone Has Stood Up for Italian Heritage Before
Born September 22, 1994, Anzalone’s parents are Italian. The name Anzalone originates from Sicily and Naples. As a senior in college, Anzalone posted a video on X about how to pronounce his name.
A 2017 third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, Anzalone signed with the Lions after his rookie contract expired. He’s used his platform many times to showcase his Italian heritage.
During the NFL’s “International Diversity” initiative in 2023, Anzalone wore an Italian flag on his helmet.
He also took issue with Baker Mayfield doing a chef’s kiss gesture when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback celebrated a touchdown during the 2024 season.
Mayfield took the gesture from New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito, which was seen as mocking Devito in a 30-7 Bucs win.
“Ay bro, did that a little too aggressive for my liking 🤨,” Anzalone wrote with a video of Mayfield’s celebration that he posted on X.
Mayfield said there was no malice in the gesture.
“It was a tribute. A tribute to Tommy,” Mayfield said, per ESPN. “… “Most of the time, I don’t know what I’m going to do so … spontaneous stuff.
“New York fans love Tommy here, so give ’em something they like.”
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