NFL punter Spencer Lanning karate kicked in face while trying to tackle

NFL punter Spencer Lanning might have second thoughts the next time he tries to tackle someone.

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 7: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to hurdle Spencer Lanning #5 of the Cleveland Browns and gets an unnecessary roughness penalty during the second quarter at Heinz Field on September 7, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ****

NFL punter Spencer Lanning might have second thoughts the next time he tries to tackle someone.

Lanning, punting for the Cleveland Browns, was faced with every punter’s worst nightmare in today’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers: actually having to make a defensive play when his team failed to stop the opposition’s punt returner.

And it will probably be the last time he ever gives his teammates a chop-out, after he wound up copping a fly-kick to the face from Steelers punt returner Antonio Brown.

Brown tried to hurdle the diminutive kicker, but when Lanning remained in his path he laid the boots in.

Lanning walked away from the play uninjured, and in a small consolation Brown was handed a penalty for unnecessary roughness for the move.

Lanning later made light of the incident on his Twitter account.

Wait, wait, wait...When did this happen?!? pic.twitter.com/SzU9wDVx23

— Spencer Lanning (@LanningSpencer) September 7, 2014