Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple experienced a career renaissance of sorts since joining the team in 2021.
A journeyman corner who spent time with three teams after entering the league at 10th overall in 2016, Apple had the look of a former high-end pick who wouldn’t live up to his draft status.
But that changed in Cincinnati — fast.
Thrust into a big role in 2021, Apple played 660 coverage snaps but only let up 39 receptions with two interceptions, per PFF. And this year, Apple played 585 with 41 receptions allowed while suddenly every offense’s favorite target once Chidobe Awuzie went down for the season with an injury.
And Apple says the Bengals culture is what helped turn things around for him.
“It definitely brought back the love for the game feeling, especially leaving New Orleans the way I did,” Apple said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “And then going to the Panthers and not making it there and coming here and not knowing what to expect and then having the two best years ever in my life.
“Just toughness and grit,” Apple said. “It was nothing but football out here. Really re-connected with some of the guys from college. Realizing the strong survive. That’s the only way. You have to be strong. You have to be tough. Gritty. That’s the only way you get these wins and get these streaks. Consistent effort.”
For outsiders, it’s easy to cut up lowlight videos of Apple’s struggles in prior stops. But the film and numbers during his time in Cincinnati match up well with his thoughts here.
Apple isn’t going to demand big money on the free-agent market by any means, but he’s made it clear he would like to be back. The Bengals might just work with that idea again because depth behind Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt is so thin.
Either way, Apple’s journey is yet another strong mark for the Bengals culture for fans and potential players who might consider joining the team.
