Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple only seems to make headlines for his attitude on social media rather than his play on the field. It may surprise many that Apple does so much trash-talking online when he is the #63 ranked cornerback in the league with a career-low 35 tackles and zero interceptions. In fact, Apple has only two interceptions in the last four seasons, both of which came in 2021.
Many remember 2021 when the Bengals made it to the Super Bowl. Apple was riding high on the Bengals’ victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship and took to social media immediately.
Unfortunately for Apple, he spent more time on the keyboard than studying Cooper Kupp game film the week leading up to the Super Bowl. Apple memorialized his Super Bowl experience by giving up two touchdowns, one of which was a go-ahead score by Cooper Kupp in the 4th quarter.
Never forget when Cooper Kupp humiliated Eli Apple on the biggest stage in sports 🥶 https://t.co/j64YbOfhSY pic.twitter.com/NulMvsb1jL
— Brian (@thelegionsm) January 24, 2023
After that disastrous performance, Apple was silent on social media and was ridiculed relentlessly by the rest of the league. The only comeback from Apple’s camp was his mother who defended her son naturally as any mother would. Apple however has not learned his lesson clearly. Since the Bengals upset the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round playoff game Apple did not waste any time insulting not only Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, quarterback Josh Allen, but Damar Hamlin of all people.
https://twitter.com/EliApple/status/1617710425440935938?s=20&t=XfVicom3mBqBoU1s-e4Axw
While Apple has since claimed that the tweet was not an insult directed at Damar Hamlin there is no doubt of what his intentions were. The #3 is Hamlin’s jersey number and the “heart symbol” with both hands has become a symbol representing Hamlin’s struggle/journey. Hamlin was even seen holding up that exact sign during the Bengal/Bills game last weekend. Apple may have apologized but the damage was done and his fellow NFL brothers did not take kindly to his remarks.
You played a good game @EliApple but disrespect my boy @HamlinIsland situation that shit get you beat up frfr. Keep it on the field.
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) January 24, 2023
While Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and company seem to be a likable group, fans are finding it difficult to hope for any margin of success in Cincinnati. The NFL world has made it clear that Eli Apple is not representing “Who Dey” as a whole. Apple has made it abundantly clear that he has not learned from his mistakes one year prior and is anything but a gracious winner.
Apple started earlier this year that the previous season as the Bengals have yet to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. The Bengals will have to play the Kansas City Chiefs once again for another opportunity to win a world title. If the Bengals lose expect (and hope for) radio silence from Eli Apple once again.