In their effort to strengthen their running game, the New England Patriots made the decision to sign the relatively “veteran” Ezekiel Elliott. Despite being 28 years old and facing criticism suggesting his waning performance, the Patriots’ choice could have been worse.
For instance, they could have considered reaching out to Stevan Ridley. Alternatively, they might have taken a chance on comedian Kevin Hart. However, this idea was short-lived.
Kevin Hart, the entertainer and host of the popular “Hart to Heart” podcast, is now dubbing himself the “least intelligent person on the planet” after challenging Ridley to a 40-yard dash. This challenge led to Hart sustaining injuries that have left him in a wheelchair. In a video shared on his Instagram account this week, the 44-year-old Hart informed his 178 million followers that he tore muscles in his lower abdomen and hip abductors during the ill-fated race.
Hart exclaimed, “At 44 years old, I’m confined to a wheelchair! I must be the most unintelligent person alive! What on earth was I thinking? I’ve completely wrecked myself… I give up. This is just my luck. I’m stuck in a wheelchair.”
Ridley, though not exactly young at 34, is still five years removed from his last NFL carry. Nevertheless, Hart has learned a valuable and agonizing lesson about challenging a former professional athlete to a foot race.
Time waits for no one in the NFL. A Patriots’ rookie named Christian Gonzalez expressed his excitement this week about playing alongside his childhood hero, Elliott, even though Gonzalez is only 21 while Elliott is 28.
Reflecting on his misguided decision, Hart shared, “I attempted to join in on some youthful activities. This whole debate was centered around determining who is faster. Those who are familiar with me know that I possess considerable speed. Stevan confidently told me, ‘Kevin, there’s absolutely no way you can beat me.’ What exactly were we competing for at this stage of our lives? What was I thinking? Why did I even agree to race? It was the most foolish thing, and now I’m struggling to walk.”
Ridley was chosen in the third round of the NFL Draft from LSU by the Patriots in 2011. He played four seasons in Foxboro, amassing nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Due to injuries and ball security problems, he eventually lost his starting position to LeGarrette Blount in 2013. In 2014, he suffered a torn ACL and was placed on the injured reserve list, yet still celebrated a Super Bowl XLIX victory with the Patriots.
Subsequently, Ridley went on to play for the Jets, Falcons, and Steelers before retiring after the 2018 season.
Hart amusingly emphasized in a public service announcement, “To all the men and women who are 40 years old and older, take this seriously. It’s not a joke – respect your age.”