The Cincinnati Bengals were close to making their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance last season.
With the AFC Championship Game tied at 20 with just seconds left, Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a late hit on Patrick Mahomes, setting up a potential game-winning field goal from 45 yards instead of one from 60.
Kansas City would make the kick and go on to win their second title in four years. Ossai was distraught after the game, but thankfully he had defensive tackle B.J. Hill by his side.
Ossai seems to be using that chip on his shoulder to motivate him in the weight room.
Earlier this week, the Bengals’ Twitter account posted a video of Ossai in the iron paradise. Ossai then proceeded to deadlift nearly 300 pounds, but he would throw it in the air and balance the weight by catching it with his shoulders, truly freakish type strength.
Ossai isn’t a stranger when it comes to taking setbacks and allowing them to create a fire inside of him.
Slight work for @joseph_ossai ????
(Via Tim Riley) pic.twitter.com/O1KgVxftYn
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 17, 2023
During his rookie campaign in 2021, Ossai suffered a meniscus injury during the preseason which put him on injured reserve for the rest of the year.
Ossai bounced back last season with 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries as he logged 334 snaps and appeared in every game.
Now Ossai has his unfortunate blunder against the Chiefs to come back an even better player in 2023 and not make the same mistake if that particular situation comes up again.
In particular, it’s good fuel for him to get a bigger role alongside starting edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard which will push rookie Myles Murphy.
