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Eli Apple takes unnecessary shots at Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Julio Jones in social media post

Eli Apple (#20) celebrates on the field for the Bengals in 2021 matchup
Photo of Bengals CB Eli Apple comes via Getty Images

Ohio State alums continue to take shots at Alabama football alums.

Eli Apple, a former Buckeye, sent unnecessary shots at Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Julio Jones in a recent social media post.

RELATED: Georgia fans react to losing Jermaine Burton to Alabama via transfer portal

Three years ago, Smith posted a status to Twitter on Apple.

“Every time I see Eli Apple 1-on-1, I shake my head.”

Apple, a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, played for the New Orleans Saints when Smith posted the message. He spent the first half of the season with the New York Giants, but the tension between him and Landon Collins (former Alabama safety) became too much. The Giants traded Apple to the Saints on Oct. 23, 2018, for a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick.

He did not have a successful second half of football in New Orleans. Apple got worked by some of the best wide receivers in the league, including Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, Antonio Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

RELATED: BREAKING: Former Georgia WR Jermaine Burton transfers to Alabama

Smith made the post about Apple during his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide.

The 2014 national champion took three years to respond to someone who set the record for rookie receiving yards with the Philadelphia Eagles. Apple’s parting shot to Smith was, “He big mad because Jalen Hurts is his quarterback.” He took a shot at Julio Jones after the Titans lost to the Bengals last week. Ohio State won the 2015 CFP Semifinal matchup (Sugar Bowl) over Alabama, but the Crimson Tide handled Apple’s Alma mater in the 2021 CFP national title game (2020 season).

Apple was in the NFC for five seasons (2016-20) against Julio Jones, but he could not stop him. Jones had four 1,000-yard seasons during Apple’s time between the Giants and Saints, including three straight years of 1,400+ yards from 2016-18.

Apple is a cornerback for the Bengals.

He faces the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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