FRISCO, Texas â To say this week is a tough one for Amani Oruwariye is underselling just how heavy it's been when considering the events of Monday evening between the ĂŰĚŇTV and the Cincinnati Bengals, when a blocked punt by Nick Vigil devolved into a chaotic sequence of events that led to another home loss at AT&T Stadium.
Oruwariye attempted to grab the blocked punt, unsuccessfully, leading to the Bengals reclaiming the ball in conjunction with a first down after the Cowboys' defense had forced them into a 4th-and-27 on the Bengals' 29-yard line.
Joe Burrow would then find Ja'Marr Chase for the go-ahead touchdown, a 40-yard punch that put the Cowboys on the mat for good.
Speaking for the first time since the game, Oruwariye explained his thought process, the state of the locker and more, as he and Dallas attempts to turn the page to the Carolina Panthers.
What happened during that infamous play?
"It was just a normal punt return play and we were vicing up the guy. It was in the moment. I was taking my guy and I heard a thump. I didn't know what it was â could've been a punt, could've been a block â all I know is I turned around to react as any athlete would. I saw the ball there and, in a split decision, I made the decision to go try and secure the ball. That's just part of the game. It's something that I felt, in that moment, was a reactionary thing to do, and so I'm standing by it."
When did you realize you shouldn't have touched it?
"I'd say after the play. Just seeing everybody's emotions. I was like, 'Dang. That was pretty big in the moment. But, like I said, it was reactionary. It was in the moment. The ball got up on my kinda quick. I wish I could've secured it. I wish I could've just not touched it. Either way, it unfolded how it did and that's just part of the game. It's a part of life. You have to take from it and move on."
How have coaches and teammates responded to it this week?
"It's a testimony to the kind of guys we have in this locker room â great guys and great teammates â that wanted to rally around me, console me and support me in the moment like that. It was a very emotional moment. I didn't want to feel like I was letting anybody down. And they quickly assured me that's not what I did. It was a good feeling to feel that from my guys."
What's next for you, mentally?
"The first night was tough. I didn't want to feel like I was letting anybody down. It was a tough play. But, as time goes on, you realize that's life, and that there are things bigger than this game in life. It's a learning lesson. Me being in Year 6, there are still things I can learn and build upon, and that's what I plan to do."
