NFL chains Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Yardage chains sit on the field prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Football is a physical, action-packed sport, and in the NFL things can get downright violent.

Still, that violence is usually reserved for between the sidelines, and targeted at opposing players. In this instance though, players couldn’t help but give their coach a beating.

Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith has his unit playing out of this world. A week after blocking a kick, his players responded with a punt return touchdown. The players get physical in their excitement after the big-time performances and get rough with Smith.

It appears things get a little too rough.

“Steelers ST coach and social media darling Danny Smith says his players “beat the hell out of me” celebrating big special teams plays on the sideline. “I’m sore and I didn’t even play. I’m probably gonna be the first coach on the sideline in shoulder pads and a helmet,” Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor tweeted on Wednesday.

Fans reacted to the news on social media.

“They need to put Danny Smith in the yinzer hall of fame,” one fan said on Twitter.

“How can you not love this man? You can see how much is players love him and how much he loves this,” one fan added.

“Protect this man at all cost,” one fan added.

“Never leave Pittsburgh Danny,” one fan ordered.

“That would be a sight: coach in helmet and pads on the sideline,” one fan added.

You have to love how much the players and community love this guy. Hopefully, his season will end in a Super Bowl.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.