The Cincinnati Bengals celebrated their Thanksgiving Day victory over the Baltimore Ravens with an unexpected moment during a postgame interview. After the Bengals triumphed with a score of 32-14 on November 27, 2023, defensive end Joseph Ossai found himself in a comical situation when he choked on a turkey leg while speaking with NBC’s Melissa Stark.
While enjoying the traditional postgame feast, Ossai was caught off guard when Stark approached him for an on-air interview. Mid-bite, he struggled to respond, managing to croak out, “I don’t know. I started eating too soon,” before Stark called for water. Fortunately, Ossai quickly regained his composure. The NFL has a long-standing tradition of allowing winning teams to enjoy a meal while conducting interviews, but it appeared several Bengals players were unprepared for the spotlight.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase also seemed distracted during his interview. When Stark inquired about his enjoyment of the turkey, he offered a brief nod before swallowing and stating, “It’s not that bad.” In contrast, quarterback Joe Burrow opted not to partake in the turkey, citing his commitment to clean eating. “I didn’t touch it. I don’t know who made it; I’m good,” the 28-year-old remarked after the game.
Burrow’s performance marked a significant return to the field, as it was his first game since suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2. Reflecting on his challenging recovery, he expressed gratitude for the support he received. “I’m most grateful to all the people in my life that helped me through these last couple weeks,” Burrow stated. He described the experience of watching his teammates from the sidelines as “lonely,” emphasizing the difficulty of staying motivated while unable to contribute on the field.
Despite not delivering his best performance statistically, Burrow made crucial plays that helped the Bengals secure the victory. After the team managed four field goals in the first half, he threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, effectively distancing Cincinnati from the Ravens. “There’s no better feeling than that — putting in work for a long time and going out and it paying off,” Burrow said after the game. He acknowledged that he felt more comfortable in the second half, allowing him to execute plays with precision.
This win was significant for the Bengals, breaking a month-long losing streak and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Through their collective effort on Thanksgiving, the Bengals demonstrated resilience both on and off the field, making the day memorable for players and fans alike.
