Rams Safety Quentin Lake Apologizes to Justin Herbert After Deli Meat Podcast Comments

Rams safety Quentin Lake sent a text message apology to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert following postgame comments on a podcast where Lake joked that Herbert was “throwing deli meat” during a 24-9 Los Angeles victory.

Lake Insulted Herbert on Podcast Before Apologizing

Lake appeared on the “St. Brown Podcast,” hosted by Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and his brother Equanimeous St. Brown, to discuss an interception he recorded during Sunday’s game against the Chargers. On the program, Lake remarked that Herbert “was throwing deli meat out there” and “seeing ghosts,” adding that his team knew they would secure at least one turnover. The remarks circulated widely online, prompting Lake to reconsider the public platform he was using.

“You know, I was with my boys,” Lake told The Los Angeles Times. “I was in a comfortable environment. I was trying to say stuff funny. But looking back on it, they have a big platform. And when you say stuff like that, people are going to take it in ways that you may not mean it. … In no way shape or form was it supposed to be disrespectful.”

Lake subsequently reached out to Herbert directly via text message to clarify his intent. As of Friday afternoon, Lake had not received a reply from the Chargers quarterback. “I don’t know if he read it,” Lake stated to The Los Angeles Times. “He probably says, ‘I don’t care about it anymore. I’m not trying to see this. It doesn’t matter. You said what you said.’ But at the same time I … felt like it was right for me to at least say, ‘Hey, man, I didn’t mean it in any disrespectful way.'”

On-Field Context and Team Standings

The exchange occurs while the Chargers sit at 0-7 on the season. Herbert, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who threw for 23 touchdowns against three interceptions over 17 games two seasons ago, has recorded five touchdowns and a league-high 10 interceptions this year, placing him 31st in quarterback rating among passers with at least 100 attempts. Despite the struggles, Lake maintained that Herbert remains a talented player with strong arm strength, running skills, and processing ability.

During the Sunday matchup, Lake and teammate Trent McDuffie each intercepted passes thrown by Herbert, contributing to the Rams’ 24-9 win.

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