Joe Mixon Apologizes After Knocking Down Ref During Helmet-Throw Attempt

Megan ArmstrongAnalyst IIIDecember 30, 2019

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 29: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals only won twice this season, so running back Joe Mixon was not well-rehearsed when celebrating the team's 33-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Mixon accidentally threw his helmet into a referee, causing the unsuspecting official to fall down:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Joe Mixon went to celebrate the Bengals' second win all year, but the ref got in the way 😅 (via @ChaseLaub1) https://t.co/MaiSG4RQPq

The 23-year-old running back apologized to the referee he never saw coming on Twitter:

⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ @Joe_MainMixon
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🙌🏽

Mixon put together a performance to be excited about against the Browns. The 2017 second-round pick out of Oklahoma rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. It was his fourth 100-yard rushing game this season, finishing with 1,137 yards and five touchdowns on 278 carries overall.

The 2-14 Bengals can now officially put 2019 behind them and look forward to their No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

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