“It was hard for the first couple of days. My teammates and coaches wouldn’t let me put my head down,” Anthony said. “They lifted me up every single moment. I just salute my coaches, the whole organization for being by my side. They were telling me stories of their own. And telling me, you played corner in college, you just have to keep that next play mentality. It’s a new week. Let’s go take it out on the Commanders.”
It seemed like the whole defense reached out to him throughout the week, including Sam Hubbard, Dean of the Bengals and a defensive captain, and Joseph Ossai, who in that same Arrowhead Stadium was called for a late hit on Mahomes in the final minute to turn the tide of a tied AFC title game.
“I had seen that play. The tough thing for him was there was no next game until the next season,” Anthony said. “Then I got to know him. We hang out a lot. He told me that story even before (Sunday).”
Anthony admitted he couldn’t wait to put on his cleats again and tear up some grass at practice. It was a long wait because of the Monday night game. He said he watched the play “probably 1,000 times,” but then, “I love football. I always watch a lot of plays.” But maybe not that many times.
“Honestly, if I catch the pick,” said Anthony of hitting the back of Rice too quickly as closed in on a zone. “It’s a bang-bang play. Running full speed. I never looked at the receiver since I was looking at the ball the whole time. Once I jumped and he jumped back into me, it kind of knocked my vision off the ball.
“Next time, just secure the pick, and it won’t be a 50-50 situation … Jump a little higher. I think the refs wouldn’t say anything if we bump into each other and I’m catching the ball.”
Anthony has had quite a journey: He attended three colleges, and he lost his grandmother and mother along the way. So it’s doubtful something like this is going to stop him.
“I always…
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