Bengals CB Eli Apple says fans motivated him after constant trolling

Leading up to the Super Bowl, it felt like one member of the Cincinnati Bengals was talking more than others. That, of course, would be cornerback Eli Apple, who hadn’t been shy about talking trash throughout the season.

He talked trash on the Ravens during the regular season and during the playoffs, randomly decided to crap on Saints fans, which confused that fan base. He also picked at Giants fans and made it a point to mock receivers who his Bengals beat on the way to the Super Bowl (Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman come to mind).

Well, karma is a B, as they say and Apple learned that the hard way.

He was toasted in the Super Bowl for two touchdowns, including the game-winning one to Cooper Kupp and fans and players alike couldn’t wait to troll Apple. You might say the guy had it coming for his actions in the previous months.

Now, however, Apple claims that fans have motivated him moving forward.

"Yall ReAwoke A Fire In Me That Will Only Make Me Stronger and Im Beyond Excited To Unleash That Demon Again to Exponential Levels On Any Opp That Lines Up Across From Me Next Season."

Eli Apple vows to come back stronger and use trolling as motivation

I personally don’t feel bad for Apple. “You reap what you sow” is a popular expression and that applies to Apple and how he handled business throughout the season. It felt like Kupp beating on what would be the game-winning touchdown pass in the Super Bowl was a massive dose of karma for the cornerback.

As of now, Apple is set to hit free agency and we’ll see how that process goes for him. He didn’t exactly make friends this season with his comments so maybe Cincinnati is where he ends up. Fans might not be all that sad to see him go but if we’re being entirely honest, he did play well for a good portion of the season.

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He just needs to focus on playing and not talking trash. That’s not what he’s getting paid to do.