I was really touched by the scene I saw Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals faced the Baltimore Ravens in a key NFL matchup.
Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick suffered a knee injury early in the game. As medics and trainers attended to the Gadsden native, it was not a Bengals teammate that knelt by Dre’s side, but rather a former University of Alabama teammate who plays for the Ravens.
Yes, Baltimore running back Mark Ingram knelt by Dre’s side to comfort his friend.
It was a great reminder that football brotherhood — and Crimson Tide camaraderie — runs deep, as even in the NFL players can love and respect those on an opposing team.
Dre has since had a MRI, which showed a hyperextended knee. He is expected to miss a month of playing time.
In the period between the injury occurring and his MRI results, Mark and thousands of others were standing behind Dre after he suffered what could have been a very serious injury.
To Mark Ingram I say, “Job well done, sir. We know that Dre loves you and appreciated your support.”
And to Dre, I say, “Hang in there, friend — we’re praying for you.”
Rick Karle is a 24-time Emmy winning broadcaster and a special sports contributor to Yellowhammer News. He is also the host of the Huts and Nuts podcast.
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