Cincinnati Bengals fans went into a frenzy earlier this week when rookie Shemar Stewart accidentally hit quarterback Joe Burrow during practice, causing a benches-clearing brawl between teammates. The incident quickly went viral, with fans expressing their frustration and anger towards Stewart for his careless mistake.
But as the dust settled, a surprising turn of events took place. Stewart, who was initially condemned by fans online, revealed what Burrow said to him after the brawl – and it was not what anyone expected.
In an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports, Stewart opened up about the incident and shared his perspective on the whole situation. “It’s a high-intensity practice and things like this can happen. Joe [Burrow] knows that and he was the first one to come up to me after everything settled down. He told me not to worry about it, that it was just a heat of the moment thing. I really appreciated that from him,” Stewart stated with a smile.
This response from Burrow came as a surprise to many, as it showed his character and leadership on and off the field. Instead of being angry or resentful towards Stewart, Burrow chose to show compassion and understanding towards his teammate.
Stewart also revealed that Burrow’s actions had a huge impact on him and his relationship with the team. “I was feeling really down after the incident and wasn’t sure how my teammates would react. But seeing Joe’s reaction and how he handled the situation, it made me feel like part of the team. It showed me the kind of brotherhood we have here in the Bengals, and I am grateful for that,” said Stewart.
This incident has not only brought the team closer together, but it has also taught Stewart a valuable lesson – the importance of team unity and support.
The Bengals’ head coach, Zac Taylor, also spoke about the incident and expressed his admiration for how Burrow handled the situation. “Joe is a great leader, and he sets an example for the rest of the team. His reaction after the incident shows the kind of character he possesses, and that is something we value in our players. He handled the situation with maturity and grace, and that is commendable,” said Taylor.
The incident has opened up a conversation about the intensity of practices and whether they should be toned down to avoid any injuries or conflicts between players. But Burrow, along with Stewart, believe that intense practices are necessary to prepare for the upcoming season.
“I think practices need to have a certain level of intensity if we want to perform at our best during games. We are a team, and things like this happen in a competitive environment. We have to learn to work through our differences and have each other’s backs,” stated Stewart.
This incident has also brought attention to Stewart, who has been making a name for himself in the Bengals’ training camp. The first-round draft pick has shown impressive skills and determination, and his teammates and coaches are confident that he will have a great debut season.
Stewart’s attitude and response to the incident have also impressed Bengals’ fans, who have now changed their tune towards the young rookie. Instead of condemnation, fans are now applauding his character and showing support for him on social media.
The brawl between Stewart and Burrow has turned into a positive learning experience for both players and the team as a whole. It has brought the team closer and highlighted the importance of unity and support among teammates.
As for Stewart and Burrow, their relationship has been strengthened, and they are now more motivated to work together and bring success to the Bengals this season. This incident may have caused a momentary conflict, but it has ultimately brought the team closer and shown the true character of its players.