5 NFL players who couldn't back up their trash talking
When NFL players trash talk their opponents, they better be able to back it up to avoid looking foolish. While many players over the years have lived up to the hype they created for themselves with huge performances, others have had to eat their words for talking big while coming up small.
Here are five players who epically failed after previously talking serious trash.
#5 - Tom Brady
The New England Patriots were on the verge of a perfect season, entering Super Bowl XLII with an undefeated record. They were one of the greatest teams ever assembled and were led by Tom Brady in one of the best statistical seasons of his legendary career.
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan boldly claimed before the game that he believed they would hold the Patriots' high-powered offense to just 17 points. Brady laughed at the prediction and mocked Strahan for it.
Turns out Strahan got the last laugh as the Patriots scored just 14 points while the Giants ruined their perfect season. Brady admits to this day that it was the most difficult loss of his entire career.
#4 - Eli Apple
Eli Apple has long been known as one of the biggest trash talkers in the NFL, while also never being accepted as an elite cornerback. His antics went public during the 2021 NFL playoffs when he called out Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman on Twitter after the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.
Aye @MecoleHardman4 @cheetah dm me yall number and I’ll hook yall up wit them super bowl tickets on me 🤞🏿
Apple proceeded to get burned by Cooper Kupp in coverage during the Super Bowl, including allowing a direct touchdown. Kupp went on to be named MVP of the game as the Los Angeles Rams defeated Apple's Bengals.