Profile of Daijahn Anthony: The Rising Star in Cincinnati Bengals

Daijahn Anthony: Turning Defeat Into Motivation

Daijahn Anthony, the rookie safety for Cincinnati Bengals, doesn’t need to replay the toughest moment of his young career – it’s right there on his phone. Alongside cherished family photos, Anthony’s phone wallpaper includes a rotating selection of images featuring Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. This serves as a constant reminder of his game-altering penalty during the Bengals’ narrow 26-25 defeat to Kansas City.

“They’re not family,” Anthony clarified, “But I’m eager for our paths to cross again.”

The Decisive Play: A Learning Experience

With less than a minute left in the Week 2 game, Anthony, a seventh-round pick from Ole Miss, was flagged for defensive pass interference as Mahomes threw a pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice on a crucial fourth-and-16. Anthony’s premature contact afforded Kansas City an automatic first down within field goal range. Harrison Butker subsequently secured a 51-yard field goal, crowning the Super Bowl champions with another victory.

Postgame, Anthony was visibly upset. However, fellow Bengal, Cam Taylor-Britt, was quick to defend Anthony’s decision, arguing that many defensive backs would have reacted similarly. “Honestly, I think he did a great job,” Taylor-Britt commented post-game. “Maybe he was a tad early, but I would’ve acted just the same — going for the ball.”

Anthony’s Motivational Strategy: A History

In his first interview following the game, Anthony revealed that this was not the first time he used his phone’s wallpaper as a motivational tool. Before Ole Miss faced Penn State in the Peach Bowl last year, Anthony filled his phone with comments from the Nittany Lions. The strategy seemed to work as Ole Miss triumphed 38-25, with Anthony intercepting a pass during the victory.

“It’s about not forgetting,” Anthony explained, “It’s to remind myself of why I’m doing this.”