On Dec. 22, the Cincinnati Bengals were 8-6, and running back Joe Mixon, rookie receiver Ja'Marr Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson were selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.
The Bengals had three regular-season games remaining, and were looking to clinch a playoff berth just two seasons after finishing 2019 with a 2-14 record.
Mixon's plan - per his tweet that day - was to miss Sunday's game at Las Vegas' Allegiant Stadium because the Bengals would be preparing for Super Bowl LVI.
It was a bold plan and prediction that came true - with a reminder from the Bengals via Twitter on the eve of the NFL's showcase for its star players whose teams have been eliminated:
In the Bengals' Week 17 win against the Kansas City Chiefs, Mixon eclipsed the 1,200-yard mark in rushing for the season. Only four other players - Rudi Johnson (1,458 in 2005, 1,454 in 2004, 1,309 in 2006), Corey Dillon (1,435 in 2000, 1,315 in 2001, 1,311 in 2002, 1,200 in 1999), Cedric Benson (1,251 in 2009) and James Brooks (1,239 in 1989) - have run for 1,200 or more yards in one season as a Bengal.
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