Thibodeaux dismisses Saturday's criticism: 'I don't know who he is'

New York Giants rookie pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux brushed off criticism surrounding his decision to celebrate while lying next to injured Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles in last Sunday's matchup.

"Who's the gatekeeper of when to do something? So, once we figure out who the gatekeeper is, then we can write the rules, and then we can establish the narratives and things like that," Thibodeaux said Wednesday, according to SNY. "But until you guys are actually in the sport and do it and be in the moment, you can't create a narrative on it."

Reporters then informed Thibodeaux that Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday criticized his actions. Saturday, who spent 14 years in the NFL prior to his coaching career, called the pass-rusher's celebration "tasteless" and "trash" earlier this week.

"I don't know who he is," Thibodeaux said. "Anybody who comments on it, unless I know who they are, it doesn't really affect me."

The 2022 fifth overall pick broke out a snow angel on the ground after sacking Foles late in the second quarter. Foles walked off under his own power before being carted to the locker room and ruled out with a rib injury.

Thibodeaux said none of his teammates or coaches brought up any issues with the optics of his display.

"You don't play the game for anybody to get injured, but I play defense. They brought me here to be a savage and to take over the game and to impact the game," Thibodeaux told reporters. "We preach that impacting the game is affecting the quarterback. That's what I'm here to do."

The rookie said Sunday following the game that he wasn't aware that Foles was injured on the sack.