Tee Higgins helped the Cincinnati Bengals defeat the Tennessee Titans in overtime, 43-36, at Paycor Stadium on Sunday. The Bengals won their third straight game and improved to 5-2, while the Titans fell to 1-7.
Higgins had 10 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns, including an 18-yard catch with 1:17 left in regulation. Before the kickoff, there was already foreshadowing—sort of—that Higgins would keep his head in the game.
During the pregame introductions, the ball hit Higgins in the head. WDTN's Joey Berardino had footage of the funny mishap, which quickly went viral. Berardino said the 27-year-old wide receiver requested a copy of it.
“He saw that I got it on video and said, ‘You gotta send that to me,'” wrote Berardino on X.
Higgins reposted it with an expletive caption.
Fans could not help but add to the hilarity.
“Who hit you, 5? Say the word, and it's over,” said @zzz5ive_.
“The only dude in the frame with no helmet on. Terribly unlucky 😁,” added @j4s0nf1sh3r.
“Tee, I hate to say it, but you had an insane game after this. Could we consider it a good luck charm? 🤪 (glad you're okay!),” suggested @saraieo.
“No wonder he was catching everything today. Tee had heightened awareness,” joked @DahnHAMMAH.
“Only ball you didn't catch all day 😤,” commented @rg1574.
Maybe next time, Higgins could ask Joe Burrow to throw it.
Like Higgins, Burrow had a prolific performance, throwing 38-of-48 for 462 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for the game-winning score in overtime, making up for his three interceptions.
The Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons in Spain in Week 9.