Riq Woolen Apologizes to Seahawks for Taunting Penalty, Reacts to Criticism from Fans, NFL Stars

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen apologized for his costly taunting penalty in Sunday's 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game.

Woolen posted on social media that "sometimes you black out" and pledged to commit no more taunting fouls:

The 2022 Pro Bowler celebrated a little too much when he broke up a pass intended for the Rams' Puka Nacua to set up a fourth down. He had some words for the L.A. sideline and continued for long enough to draw a flag.

The Rams immediately capitalized as Matthew Stafford found Nacua for a 34-yard touchdown pass on the next play.

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The reaction on social media was predictably critical toward Woolen:

In addition, it looked like tensions ran a bit high within his own squad after the gaffe. The Fox broadcast showed he and teammate Nick Emmanwori having a heated exchange.

They both said after the fact it was much ado about nothing.

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald told reporters it was important for the team to remain composed and not dwell on the mistake.

"He just made an emotional decision and we got to pick him up," he said of Woolen's penalty. "That's not the time to point (the finger), get all upset. You've got to go play the next play and score and go rebound back and go back. Riq came back and played well the rest of the game. So I mean, it literally is like '12 As One'. Just keep picking each other up."

Once the victory was secured, Woolen made a point to shake hands with Rams coach Sean McVay.

Woolen's taunting penalty would've gone down in infamy if the Rams fully turned the tables on Seattle and punched a ticket to Super Bowl LX. The first down was a lifeline for Los Angeles at a point when the Seahawks could've taken firm control.

Thanks to the home team holding on, Woolen's blunder will be a footnote, if it's remembered at all in a few weeks.

The Seahawks and their fans are too busy celebrating an NFC title to fret about what might've been.