Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward was known in college for his big hits.
On Sunday, Bengals rookie receiver Jordan Shipley learned the hard way that Ward can drop the hammer as a pro as well. On a key third down late in the game, Ward was called for a personal foul for a late hit on Shipley in the end zone. Shipley didn’t return to the game.
It appears Ward arrives late, although NFL Network’s Deion Sanders notes that Ward led with his shoulder, not his helmet.
“I think it was a ridiculous play,” Terrell Owens said via the Cincinnati Enquirer after the game. “The guy is defenseless and I hate to see a guy hit like that. The ball had already bounced off and for him to take a cheap shot like that was uncalled for.”
T.O. was seen yelling at Browns defenders after the play. Owens said Shipley’s eyes were rolling in the back of his head. Quarterback Carson Palmer also got in Ward’s face.
“It’s a cheap shot and a shot that shouldn’t happen,” said Palmer. “When you see a guy laying on the ground like that it makes you realize how violent this game can be.”
Ward says he didn’t do anything wrong.
“I hit him with my shoulder,” Ward said. “They [Bengals] tried to yap at me, but I ignored them. I would do it again.”
Decide for yourself what you think of the play here and let us know what you think: