Running back Joe Mixon has been a bright spot during a Cincinnati Bengals' season that has given fans very little to cheer about. And after the team's second victory of 2019, he was in the mood to celebrate ending the forgettable season on a high note.
During the team's season finale against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium, Mixon rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns, while also cracking the 1,000-yard mark for the season, his second year in a row doing so. The Bengals beat the Browns 33-23 to end 2019 with the NFL's worst record — 2-14.
Another look at Joe Mixon running over Sheldrick Redwine. Mixon now with a career-high 162 yards. pic.twitter.com/1tUZohb4JU
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 29, 2019
Unfortunately, Mixon's excitement at the end of the team's rare victory collided — quite literally — with a nearby referee. The Bengals haven't often been able to line up in the victory formation at the end of a game, but today they did and Mixon took off his helmet as time expired and bowled it towards the sideline, just as a ref was cutting in front of him.
@Joe_MainMixon bowling down the ref for the W @EvilAndyDalton @CincyProblems pic.twitter.com/X6Uz67nJxS
— chase. 🧢 (@ChaseLaub1) December 29, 2019
Mixon apologized after the game on Twitter.
I will always apologize for a mistake however unintentional and accidental. To the ref I’m sorry I never saw you coming. Will never apologize for my excitement when the Bengals win!! #WhoDey already thinking about 2020 season🙌🏽
— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) December 29, 2019
