After a triumphant Thanksgiving Day victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai found himself in an unexpected situation during a postgame interview. Following the Bengals’ impressive 32-14 win on November 27, 2023, Ossai was enjoying a turkey leg on the sidelines when NBC’s Melissa Stark approached him for an on-air discussion.
Caught off guard, Ossai attempted to respond to Stark’s question, “Were you playing for that turkey leg?” while still chewing. The moment took a turn when he struggled to speak, managing to croak out, “I don’t know. I started eating too soon,” before coughing. Stark quickly called for water, ensuring Ossai was alright, and the humorous scene highlighted the NFL tradition of a postgame feast for the winning team.
Ossai was not the only Bengal who appeared unprepared for the interview. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was looking away when Stark sought his attention. When asked about the turkey, he could only nod initially before saying, “It’s not that bad.” In contrast, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who was cautious about his diet, opted not to indulge in the turkey at all. “I didn’t touch it. I don’t know who made it, I don’t know where they made it. I’m good,” the 28-year-old quarterback stated after the game.
Burrow’s return to the field marked a significant moment for the Bengals, as it was his first game since sustaining a turf toe injury in Week 2. Reflecting on his time away from the game, he expressed gratitude towards those who supported him throughout his recovery. “I’m most grateful to all the people in my life that helped me through these last couple weeks,” Burrow said. “It certainly wasn’t easy, all the things that I’ve been through [in] my career so far.”
While Burrow’s performance was not flawless, he made pivotal plays when they mattered most. After the Bengals settled for four field goals in the first half, he threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, helping to distance his team from the Ravens. “There’s no better feeling than that — putting in work for a long time and going out and it paying off,” he remarked postgame. Burrow noted that he felt more comfortable in the second half, stating, “In the second half, I felt a lot more comfortable [and] started putting them where I wanted to.”
The victory was crucial for the Bengals, marking their first win in over a month and keeping their playoff hopes alive. As the team continues to navigate through the season, the blend of humor, resilience, and determination showcased by Ossai, Chase, and Burrow illustrates the spirit of the Bengals in their quest for success.
