As Oakland Raiders' captain linebacker Vontaze Burfict seeks to appeal or reduce his season-ending suspension, his plea will be heard by fellow linebacker and Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.

Burfict's teammates and coaches are backing the linebacker who has a long history with delivering illegal hits and has been suspended in the past for such blows. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, quarterback Derek Carr stated that Burfict was one of the “most misunderstood people in the NFL”.

Carr went even further by saying that there are players who delivered more damaging hits that very same week and are suiting up without so much as a fine. Carr is likely referring to the hit on Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters who took a blindside, helmet to helmet hit as he was running into the end zone by 6'6 338 pound linemen Donavan Smith.

Nothing came of the play, no flag, no fine, and definitely no suspension as Peters was helped off the field by teammates. Last week also featured Ravens defensemen Marlon Humphrey chocking Odell Beckham Jr. who was not kicked out of the game either.

Taking a look each action, Burfict's hit did not seem nearly as egregious or have as much mal intent as Smith's or Humphrey's. Brooks who played in an era where hits like the one seen on Sunday were the norm.

While Brooks' playing history might work in Burfict favor, people on the opposite side want to see Burfict's suspension upheld as Brooks will need to carefully examine what the best course of action is for the league and the player.