Desmond Howard fires back at criticism for Heisman Ceremony comments
Desmond Howard isn’t having any criticism for comments he made during his interview with the finalists at the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. In a tweet following the ceremony, the former Michigan Wolverine defended his joke that came at the expense of Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud.
“I would like to apologize to everyone who doesn’t have the ability to recognize a fun, good natured ribbing among football rivals,” Howard wrote. “C.J. is good. We good. And that’s all that matters to me. Everyone else can relax and enjoy the rest of their night.”
Howard and Tim Tebow both joked with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Stroud following Hutchinson’s comments about beating the Buckeyes.
“The main mission was to come back, beat Ohio State and win a Big Ten Championship,” Hutchinson said. “We did those things so now we’re in the playoffs and we’ve got a chance.”
“Hey, Kenny (Pickett),” Tim Tebow cut in. “I’m glad you’re in between them.”
“Better than his offensive linemen,” Howard quipped.
Hutchinson terrorized Stroud and the Ohio State offense in Week 13, coming away with three sacks in that game. The victory was the first against the Buckeyes for Michigan in the Jim Harbaugh era, and earned them a trip to the Big Ten Championship, where they dominated Iowa by score of 42-3.
The Wolverines defensive end ranks third in the FBS in sacks with 14, and his 73 quarterback pressures lead the country. He is in rare company, as only 13 defensive players have finished among the top five in Heisman voting in the past 50 seasons. Ohio State defensive end Chase Young was the most recent in 2019.
Hutchinson finished second behind Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in the Heisman voting, claiming 78 first place votes. Stroud finished fourth behind Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Although the ribbing from Desmond Howard at the Heisman Ceremony received some flack, it all seemed in good nature. Just a freshman, Stroud will have his opportunity for revenge against the Wolverines next season, though Hutchinson is destined for the NFL draft.
The Wolverines finished the season at No. 2, earning their first trip to the CFP since its inception in 2014. They are set to take on Georgia in the Orange Bowl with a trip to the national title game on the line.
Ohio State earned trip to the Rose Bowl, where it will take on Utah.