By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions’ narrow 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 came with more than bruised pride — it also sparked a mini controversy over what’s being called a “dirty” block from Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond.
While the game itself was a nail-biter, it’s Raymond’s hit on Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel that’s been making the louder noise since Sunday.
“That Was a Dirty Play” — Vikings Aren’t Holding Back
After the final whistle, Van Ginkel didn’t mince words.
“Obviously, getting hit on the side, I’m just going to pass rush,” Van Ginkel said, via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. “And all of a sudden I get whiplash because the guy blindsides me. I wasn’t too pleased with it.”
His teammate, linebacker Eric Wilson, went even further — calling the hit “absolute [expletive]” and a “cheap shot.”
That’s about as direct as it gets.
The Vikings’ frustration was clear, but context matters — Raymond’s block wasn’t flagged on the field, and upon review, it didn’t technically violate the NFL’s rules on crackback or blindside blocks.
A Legal Hit… But Was It Right?
According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, the block “does not appear to fit the NFL’s definition” of an illegal hit.
In other words, Raymond didn’t break any rules.
But that’s where the gray area of football comes in.
Just because something’s legal doesn’t mean it feels clean.
Hits like that — hard, unexpected, and just outside the line of sight — are part of what players often label “dirty.” It’s the difference between what the rulebook allows and what players respect on the field.
O’Connell Turns Controversy Into Motivation
Interestingly, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t fan the flames. Instead, he flipped the script.
He reportedly showed the play to the entire team — not to complain about it, but to highlight Van Ginkel’s toughness and resilience.
“He provides so many layers of things to our defense,” O’Connell said. “That allows Brian Flores to be who he wants to be as a playcaller.”
So, instead of using the block as an excuse, the Vikings used it as fuel. Classic locker-room psychology.
Raymond’s Reputation vs. League Action
At this point, it’s unlikely the league will retroactively penalize Raymond.
Fines are possible but rare in cases where no flag was thrown — especially when the block doesn’t fit the official criteria for a violation.
Still, this isn’t the kind of attention any player wants. Raymond’s known more for his reliability and spark on special teams, not for controversial hits.
For Lions fans, it feels like another case of perception vs. reality — a legal play turned talking point.
For the Vikings? It’s a reminder that even in victory, emotions run high.
Final Thought
Football’s always been a violent, fast, emotional game. The line between tough and dirty isn’t drawn by the rulebook — it’s drawn by players’ respect for one another.
Kalif Raymond didn’t get flagged, and probably won’t get fined. But in the Vikings’ locker room, his block will be remembered long after the film review ends.