Eagles security chief ‘Big Dom’ DiSandro and 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw ejected after sideline incident

Burly Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro was ejected with just over 9 minutes to play in the third quarter of the Eagles’ game against the visiting 49ers after becoming involved in an incident with a 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

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Consider it a “Brotherly Shove,” sideline style.

DiSandro helped separate Greenlaw from DeVonta Smith after Greenlaw overzealously tackled Smith with a body slam at the sideline at DiSandro’s feet. During games, DiSandro is tasked with protecting Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, who was standing at the site of the incident. Greenlaw was penalized 12 yards for unnecessary roughness on the play.

During the separation, DiSandro lightly shoved Greenlaw to ensure the linebacker would not further engage. Greenlaw took exception and appeared to throw a punch at DiSandro.

After a brief discussion, officials decided to eject both Greenlaw and DiSandro.

DiSandro, 45, left the field to raucous cheers from the sellout crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. The incident seemed to inspire the flagging Eagles, who proceeded to score a touchdown five plays later, cutting the 49ers lead to 21-13.

On-field officials consulted with their bosses in New York City, where it was determined that the altercation warranted ejections but, since no penalties were called in the moment as a result of the altercation, no penalties could be assessed after the fact. So, while Dom might have gotten into his first NFL tussle, at least he didn’t get flagged.

Greenlaw declined to comment when approached by The Inquirer. The Eagles did not make DiSandro available for comment.

The 49ers, outraged, were happy to comment.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan was irate on the opposite sideline when he learned that DiSandro inserted himself and caused his player’s ejection:

“I tried my hardest not to lose my mind. I hope I didn’t embarrass myself too bad.”

Nick Bosa, however, didn’t excuse Greenlaw’s actions.

“He knows he can’t do that,” Bosa said. “It is a perfect learning lesson at this moment. I don’t think he’ll make that mistake again.”

DiSandro already is a cult hero in the Eagles universe. He has his own line of “Big Dom” merchandise to benefit the team’s autism charity. Jason Kelce, the most popular Eagle, calls him “Papa Bear.”

Now?

Now, Big Dom is legend.