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NFL Footage Confirms Civil McVay–Johnson Handshake After Rams’ OT Win as NBC Faces Criticism

Interest in the moment grew from Ben Johnson’s recent friction with Matt LaFleur.

Overview

  • Los Angeles beat Chicago 20–17 in overtime on Harrison Mevis’s 42-yard walk-off, sending the Rams to the NFC Championship against Seattle.
  • NBC’s telecast did not provide a clear view of the postgame meeting, drawing complaints from viewers and media, though some noted it aired only briefly.
  • The NFL later released field-level video and mic’d-up audio that showed a respectful handshake and brief exchange between Sean McVay and Ben Johnson.
  • In the clips, McVay told Johnson, “Hell of a job, man,” and Johnson replied, “Go win one,” while McVay also praised Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, saying, “You kicked our ass.”
  • The scrutiny over the interaction followed Johnson’s drive-by handshake with Matt LaFleur and locker-room language the previous week, alongside McVay’s well-known friendship with the Packers coach.