Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman BJ Hill came to the defense of teammate Joseph Ossai and took aim at reporters for asking «stupid» questions about a pivotal play at a pivotal moment in the biggest game of the year to that point.
With seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled for a first down, but was shoved down by Ossai as he was already out of bounds. Ossai was called for unnecessary roughness and was shaken after the play.
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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai, left, is called for roughing the passer when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is hit out of bounds during the AFC Championship game on Sunday January 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. .
(Kareem Elgazzar-USA Today Sports)
The penalty moved the Chiefs closer to the field goal, and Harrison Butker made the go-ahead attempt. Kansas City won the game 23-20.
Ossai was comforted by his teammates after the match as Germaine Pratt relaxed as she walked back to the locker room. Ossai did his best to discuss the play with the reporters.
«I was in full chase mode and pushing to maybe get him back, because I knew he was going to the sideline, so get him back and make the clock tick,» Ossai said as he tried to hold back tears. «I didn’t know how out of bounds we were.
The passer roughing penalty on the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joseph Ossai moved the Chiefs closer to the field goal and Harrison Butker made the go-ahead try.
(Sam Greene-USA Today Sports)
«I just have to learn from experience and know not to approach that quarterback when he’s near the sideline… If there’s anything that could cause a penalty in a situation as serious as that. I have to do better. «. .»
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At one point, Hill reached out to support Ossai as he fielded questions and asked a PR representative in the locker room.
«Silly question. Come on. He played the whole game,» Hill said. «Ask a different question.»
Ossai played a good game apart from the penalty. He had five tackles, including one for loss. He had a pass breakup and two quarterback hits.
«We’re a big family. It’s not fake. When things get tough, we support each other,» Ossai said. «I’m happy to have this group of guys around me, supporting me right now, because it’s hard. There are a lot of guys in that room that I’m very grateful for, BJ is one of them. A lot of older ones. They’ve done a good job taking us under his wings».
Joseph Ossai of the Cincinnati Bengals chases down Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Kansas City.
(Sam Greene-USA Today Sports)
Hill had the last word on social media.
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«One thing about me: I will always get my brother back! People who ask a stupid question need to do better!» he tweeted.
Associated Press contributed to this report.