After the Cincinnati Bengals secured a convincing victory over the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 32-14 on November 27, 2023, defensive end Joseph Ossai found himself in an unexpected predicament during a postgame interview. While enjoying a turkey leg on the sidelines, Ossai was caught off guard by NBC Sports reporter Melissa Stark, who approached him for an on-air discussion.
Ossai, visibly surprised, struggled momentarily as he attempted to respond mid-bite. “Were you playing for that turkey leg?” Stark asked, prompting Ossai to croak out a few unintelligible sounds before he managed to say, “I don’t know. I started eating too soon.” Stark quickly requested water for him, assuring viewers that Ossai was fine despite the awkward moment.
Traditions and Team Dynamics
The postgame feast tradition on Thanksgiving is a well-known custom within the NFL, where winning teams celebrate their victories with a hearty meal. Ossai was not the only Bengal caught unprepared for the interview segment. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was also hesitant, failing to face the camera when Stark sought his attention. When asked about the turkey, he could only nod and comment, “It’s not that bad,” after swallowing.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who was making his first appearance since suffering a turf toe injury earlier in the season, opted out of the turkey altogether. Committed to a clean eating regimen, Burrow stated, “I didn’t touch it. I don’t know who made it, I don’t know where they made it. I’m good.” His focus was clearly on his performance rather than the feast.
Burrow’s return to the field was a significant moment for the Bengals. He expressed gratitude towards those who supported him during his recovery, saying, “I’m most grateful to all the people in my life that helped me through these last couple weeks.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “It certainly wasn’t easy.”
Game Highlights and Player Reflections
Though Burrow’s performance was not flawless, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most. After a first half dominated by four field goals, he threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, helping the Bengals extend their lead over the Ravens and secure their first win in over a month. Burrow noted, “There’s no better feeling than that — putting in work for a long time and going out and it paying off.”
He described the initial nerves during the game, saying, “The whole first half, my feet were a little antsy back there. In the second half, I felt a lot more comfortable and started putting them where I wanted to.” This victory was crucial for the Bengals as they aim to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
As the team celebrated their Thanksgiving win, Ossai’s memorable moment served as a light-hearted reminder of the joy and camaraderie that sports can bring, even amidst the pressures of professional competition. The Bengals will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matches, with players like Burrow leading the charge back from injury and demonstrating resilience on the field.
