Taylor Swift helping the Kansas City Chiefs improve to 3-0 was not the biggest NFL news of the night.
That spot belonged to former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith, who used his huge television platform on NFL Network -- which is the league's broadcasting channel -- to verbally destroy current Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Smith was set up for his brutal speech by reporter Mike Garafolo, who appeared to know what was coming and gave an extended introduction before turning the spotlight over to Smith.
"A short while ago, Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was walking by and Steve called out to him," Garafolo said.
It set up a surreal scene on the NFL's TV network, with Smith blasting Jeudy on the station while Jeudy was still preparing for a primetime Thursday Night Football game against the Chiefs.
The five-time Pro Bowler, who said he tried to apologize to Jeudy for previous comments, made it very personal when discussing a Denver receiver who's recently been mentioned in trade rumors.
READ MORE ON NFL
"I'll say it again," Smith said. 'I'm sorry that I said you were a JAG, just a guy, who's an average wide receiver they used a first-round pick on that isn't doing anything.
"I hope today that you actually show up in a way that you haven't showed up in the last couple of years since they drafted you.
"So if you ever got a problem with Agent 89, I'm sorry for saying that you're a average wide receiver they eventually will move on and when teams call me and asking, should they trade for you?
"I will say, no, don't trade for Jerry Jeudy because he's mentally unable to handle constructive criticism from people who watch specifically can he be a wide receiver."
Most read in NFL
Denver lost 19-8 while Russell Wilson threw two interceptions.
Jeudy continued to disappoint on the field, catching three balls for just 14 yards.
"He's a tier three (wide receiver)," Smith said. "Go back into the studio. I'm done now. Thank you."
Smith then stared at the camera and tossed down his microphone.
In the studio, NFL Network analysts cheered on Smith's verbal barrage of Jeudy.
"Yes, yes, I love it!" said a shouting presenter.
Smith was one of the NFL's best receivers when he played, catching 1,031 passes for 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns during a fiery 16-year career that featured 13 seasons with Carolina.
Jeudy was the No. 15 overall pick in 2020 out of Alabama.
He caught 67 balls for 972 yards and six TDs last year but hasn't lived up to his first-round status.
With Denver stuck with a 1-5 record, the Broncos could soon go into seller mode and Jeudy is a potential trade target.
Read More on talkSPORT
Smith's tirade on the NFL's TV channel didn't improve Jeudy's NFL chances moving forward.
Jeudy avoided Smith questions after another Broncos loss, only talking about his side's beating.
ncG1vNJzZmiskaG4tLzOq6tnm5%2BifLS8zquraGllboZ5hJNopZ%2BkXajBpsLEZqqmoaSdeqO%2BzqeaqKtdn7KzvthmoZ6tlK58