Justin Fields recalls brutal hit from College Football Playoff

Justin Fields told the story of taking a brutal hit against Clemson in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff semifinal win during the 2020-21 season. 

Fields joined Pardon My Take and recalled the rib shot but managed to play through the pain. In fact, the Chicago Bears quarterback had one of his standout college moments after the hit.

He hit dime after dime to lead the Buckeyes to a national championship game against Alabama.

“I didn’t feel normal the whole game,” Fields said. “You know I tried to throw on the sideline by the side and when you’re in that moment, especially the year before, that didn’t make it any better to where we lost the game. Game-ending pick, miscommunication but so I mean when I tell you we were grinding the whole offseason, the whole season just trying to get back to that point. 

“When we saw that we were going to play Clemson again in the playoffs, we kind of already knew what time it was. I was gonna have to die to get pulled out of that game, but I mean, the whole game felt like a bowling ball was thrown by (hammer thrower) and it just hit me in the side of my ribs. But I mean it was crazy.” 

Fields did not let an injury during the game stop him from having one of the best games of his college career. He finished the game 22-of-28 passing for 385 yards, six touchdowns and one interceptions.

“But, you know, just in that moment, just all the work we had put in, all the stuff we had gone through just like you said with the COVID stuff like I mean you only got one one opportunity at that,” Field said. “Just had to take advantage of that opportunity and we ended up winning the game big so it was awesome …  I got a shot, so the shot kicked in a little bit to where it wasn’t hurting as much but I definitely still felt it.”

Fields’ attention turns to the NFL Draft in 2023. That’s where the Bears hold the No. 2 overall pick and could draft on a difference maker on either side of the ball.

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Fields said he wanted former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but it’s a wait and see approach with Chicago.