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Seahawks' Avril: Hit on Romo has led to backlash from Cowboys fans

Joe Nicholson / USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril is dealing with backlash from Dallas Cowboys fans for his hit from behind on Tony Romo during their preseason game last Thursday.

Romo was initially believed to have escaped the awkward hit unhurt, but the Cowboys announced Saturday the veteran quarterback broke a bone in his back. He is reportedly expected to miss 6-to-10 weeks.

The loss of their starting quarterback for at least half the season has led to Cowboys fans harassing Avril on social media for his role in the injury.

"I'm definitely surprised," Avril said of the reaction to his hit, according to Gregg Bell of The News Tribune. "The Cowboys fans have been sending a lot of hate mail - well, not 'hate mail' - but a lot of crazy tweets. But I don't pay too much attention to it.

"It's kind of interesting to see how you just think you are making a play on the football field, and so many people think a certain way about it. But it is what it is. I don't really care. I'm reaching out to Romo, so it is what it is."

Avril celebrated the hit, but insists he didn't realize Romo was down and hurt.

"I didn’t even see him until after I celebrated (with teammates Bobby Wagner and others) and I saw him still on the ground. That's when I knew something happened to him," Avril said. "But after he got up, walked to the sidelines, I tapped him on his leg and whatever, talked to him for a second. But I didn't know it was that serious."

The 30-year-old Avril has fired back on Twitter, asking for Cowboys fans to back off.

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