Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin doesn’t get in front of a microphone often. And when he does, it’s usually pretty standard-fare coach-speak stuff.
But that changed in a big way on Tuesday at the scouting combine when Tobin got a chance to address the Tee Higgins trade speculation.
Tobin didn’t hold back on the topic, with this sentence quickly going viral in the NFL community: “I’m not in the business of making other teams better. You want a great receiver go find your own.”
That was a shot across the brow for fans who had hoped their team might be able to trade for Higgins and a breath of fresh air for Bengals fans who already knew a trade wouldn’t be happening.
Here are some of the best reactions.
Duke Tobin addresses the media at the #NFLCombine https://t.co/ZGhGFtt0Na
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 28, 2023
“Trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind. That’s their problem. If they want a receiver, go find their own.”
Duke Tobin shuts down the baseless speculation of a Tee Higgins trade. https://t.co/LwNuUeUNhK
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 28, 2023
From Tee Higgins joining the space yesterday to Duke Tobin's quotes. Can't wait to see number 5 catch TDs from 9 in 2023.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) February 28, 2023
Duke Tobin on the Tee Higgins trade rumors:
“Trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind. That’s their problem. If they want a receiver, go find your own.”
🗣️ TELL EM, DUKE. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/2ZPH2uzziR
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) February 28, 2023
DUKE TOBIN TELLS THE LEAGUE TO POUND SAND!
TEE HIGGINS IN ORANGE AND BLACK FOR LIFE!!! https://t.co/ltw5Of2O1J
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) February 28, 2023
Duke Tobin on trading Tee Higgins: 'NFL Teams Want A Receiver? Go Find Your Own' 😳 pic.twitter.com/ZToZ4BDBzk
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 28, 2023
#Bengals GM Duke Tobin on Tee Higgins trade rumors:
"If you want a good receiver, go find one on your own."
Mic…drop?
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) February 28, 2023
In other words…
“Are you guys trading Tee Higgins?”
Duke Tobin: https://t.co/gZeyemVitE pic.twitter.com/mGYQxOlce3
— Jai Shields (@TheJShield) February 28, 2023
Duke Tobin killing your Tee Higgins dreams, if @DannyParkins hadn't done so already. https://t.co/1YzJoIsDnZ
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) February 28, 2023
Duke Tobin has got me fired up! Y’all ain’t gettin Tee, get the hell out of here! Let’s go!!! #WhoDey #TeeHiggins #Bengals https://t.co/rilpDUug3k
— Joshua Lane Newton 🧢 (@newtonj148) February 28, 2023
I loved Duke Tobin’s presser. I want a Tee Higgins shirt with “Find Your Own” printed in the front or back or everywhere.
— Turkish Bengal (@TurkishBengal) March 1, 2023
Duke Tobin spitting facts about Tee Higgins baby!
— Adam Chadrick (@AdamChadrick09) February 28, 2023
GO FIND YOUR OWN YA HEARD THE MAN
— Dom “YRG” Robinson (@cantguarddom) February 28, 2023
GO FIND YOUR OWN YA HEARD THE MAN
— Dom “YRG” Robinson (@cantguarddom) February 28, 2023
He's talking to you Giant fans 😭😭😭 https://t.co/RR3yaySyRB
— Mace (@realmaceblack) March 1, 2023