Kansas City Chiefs fans have had a number of rivals during Patrick Mahomes' tenure, with some earned, and others being wishful thinking. The latter is the case for current free agent and former Cincinnati Bengals corner Eli Apple. Always a better talker than player, the veteran didn't make many friends with the Chiefs based on heated playoff matchups.
It seems Joe Burrow's success got into the defender's head during his tenure with the franchise. After beating the Bills, the corner offered to pay for "couples therapy" for Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen, who were seen getting into it on the sideline. It wasn't just the Bills who would be targeted with the next game offering a rare upset of the Chiefs, and Apple took full advantage. The first shot taken was calling Tyreek Hill a "baby" and followed this up with the ultimate insult.
Mecole Hardman and Hill were both offered Super Bowl tickets from a corner who should've simply been happy to be there. Apple's biggest asset is the ability to frustrate other players; when it comes to actual performance, the corner is concerningly limited. Still, the beef was furthered when Mike Hilton uttered the infamous "Burrowhead" line that would infuriate the Chiefs. Apple was dancing in the background, enjoying the moment.
The #49ers have signed DL Michael Dwumfour to a one-year deal.
— Jennifer Lee Chan - also bluesky @jenniferleechan (@jenniferleechan) August 7, 2025
To make to room on the roster the club released CB Eli Apple.
Former Chiefs Rival Eli Apple Reaches New Career Low
Since this moment, Apple's career has steadily gone down the drain, starting in this infamous season when Cooper Kupp scored the Super Bowl-winning touchdown on the veteran. Most recently, the corner was released by the San Francisco 49ers, who are far closer to being an actual rival than the wishful Apple. While one could argue the 49ers would have to beat the Chiefs in a game of note to make it official, playing each other in two Super Bowls in the same decade does qualify.
Apple is learning a hard lesson that one cannot talk their way into consistent relevance in this league. There is a reason why the Bengals moved on, and each team Apple has landed with since has done the same. Trash-talking has its place in this league, but it is only acceptable if you are a player of note. As the Chiefs have proven in the years since getting a chance to face the corner, Apple isn't a serious rival.
It was one moment of greatness that was brought about by a speculated Patrick Mahomes injury and the incredible play of Joe Burrow. Apple has never had any room to talk, and this latest release simply serves as a reminder of that fact.