NFL Week 3: #OnlyOnTwitter edition

Didn't see the game, but maybe if Green Bay stepped their game up they wouldn't be crying about a win stolen from them.

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NFL Week 3: #OnlyOnTwitter edition: A week of controversial @NFL ref action means a week of highly charged Twitter reaction: With a number of challenged calls, upsets, impossible plays and injuries, fans and players took to Twitter to tweet their frustration, encouragement, excitement — even condolences.

Last night during #MNF, Twitter conversation went into overdrive, when the @seahawks went head-to-head with the @packers at Qwest Field. Players and fans flocked to Twitter to share their opinions on what happened in the game’s final seconds. The now-infamous final play of the game generated more than one million Tweets (and used a fair amount of colorful language — consider this your disclaimer). 

One of the most vocal was @packers guard @TJLang70, whose series of blunt Tweets generated more than 150,000 retweets between them:

Got fucked by the refs.. Embarrassing. Thanks nfl
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) September 25, 2012

Fuck it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs.
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) September 25, 2012

Reaction spread from around the NFL, as other players chimed in:

I love this league and love the game of football, but tonight’s debacle hurts me greatly. This is NOT the league we’re supposed to represent
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 25, 2012

These refs gotta go I'm sorry
— Reggie Bush (@reggie_bush) September 25, 2012

As the Twitter discussion surged, other pro athletes and celebrities weighed in:

I simply just LOVE the NFL to much to see these mistakes. I'm sick like I just played for the Packers
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 25, 2012

All @nfl fans watch the Ryder Cup this week, we got no refs. #USA
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) September 25, 2012

Of the things the Packers O-Line was responsible for tonight, which was more: sacks allowed or fantastic tweets?
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) September 25, 2012

I hope the real refs use this debacle to turn the screws on the league. Don't fold guys!! Stick it to em. #NFL
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) September 25, 2012

While last night’s game generated the most Tweets (and controversy), there was no shortage of noteworthy and emotional moments during Sunday’s games.

Unfortunately, tragedy also touched the NFL last weekend, resulting in @TorreySmithWR’s ranking as Sunday’s most tweeted-about player of the week after the unexpected loss of his brother. Only hours after the sad news, Smith represented his team on the field with a stellar performance, scoring two touchdowns for the @ravens. 

"The Ravens' victory was about Torrey Smith putting his heart into a game when it was hurting the most." - es.pn/OW5V0S
— ESPN (@espn) September 24, 2012

Thoughts and prayers go out to @torreysmithwr and his family.
— Ray Rice (@RayRice27) September 23, 2012

Another shocker occurred when @theDHB85 suffered injuries after a crushing hit from the @Steelers defense left him being escorted off the field in a stretcher. Fans were relieved this morning after @raiders tweeted the status of his health (he’s ok!): 

Darrius Heyward-Bey was released this morning from Eden Medical Center after spending the night under observation...
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) September 24, 2012

...He is resting at home with a concussion and neck strain, and expected to make a full recovery.
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) September 24, 2012

In other injury news, NFL Reporter @JeffDarlington tweeted commentary about @HoustonTexans QB @Matt_SchuabQB_8’s tackle by the @Denver_broncos that left him missing a part of his ear mid-game. 

"I felt fine, you know, I just lost a little piece of my ear," Schaub said after today's win, repeating a sentence spoken by no one ever.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) September 24, 2012

And this was only Week 3. Can there be any more excitement in Week 4? Maybe. 

Omid Ashtari, Head of Sports & Entertainment (@omid)