New York Giants fans may be surprised to learn that cornerback Eli Apple, the team’s wasted first-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, still has a spot on an NFL roster.
Apple currently plays for a Cincinnati Bengals team that is bound for the AFC Championship Game. And, at least in part, it’s Apple who helped send them there.
During a divisional round victory over the Tennessee Titans, Apple came up big in the final seconds. As Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill unnecessarily forced a pass into traffic, Apple stepped in and deflected it, leading to a game-changing interception.
A few short plays later, the Bengals connected on a 52-yard field as time expired for the win.
It was undeniably the biggest moment of Apple’s otherwise lackluster career. It was also a big moment for the Bengals, who after decades of losing are headed to their first conference championship game since 1988.
Needless to say, the Bengals and their players have reasons to celebrate. But Apple, who found a rare moment in the spotlight, has chosen to go in a different direction.
Rather than being thrilled for his teammates and the organization, Apple has used the moment to take aim at the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, their respective fan bases and the reporters who cover each team.
Shut up sucka boy
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 23, 2022
Idk which fan base I hate more 🤔 prolly the saints but It’s close wit the giants it’s a toss up
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2022
😂😂 this what I wanna do to them ravens saints and giants fans https://t.co/DzCSou9hVt
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2022
When’s that giants playoff game start ? https://t.co/LBE4kZcc08
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2022
Bitter as hell 😂😂 https://t.co/BIW10lxBwO
— Eli Apple (@EliApple) January 24, 2022
Apple proceeded to insult New Orleans culture and food, calling the city “dirty” and implying its residents are angry and stupid. He took similar aim at New Jersey and Giants fans before also spewing venom in the direction of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver Julio Jones.
Apple has never before had a big moment, so please excuse him for not understanding how to handle it properly. After years of being roasted like peanuts on the field and being called a “cancer” by his teammates, he finally has a reason to gloat. And you better believe the man once named the Giants’ worst draft pick since 2006 is going to use every second of those 15 minutes.
It will likely be short-lived, however. One play does not define a season or a career and Apple will undoubtedly fall back to earth. After all, the 26-year-old, who was once suspended for conduct detrimental to the team and shipped off to New Orleans, is below-average at best. In fact, he ranked just 78th out of 122 cornerbacks this season (per PFF).
Rather than trashing fans and reporters on Twitter, Apple should hit the film room and prepare for a game against the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs. After all, that game has the very real potential to spoil all of the unwarranted fun Apple is having.
