The Cincinnati Bengals hit a low point last week, losing to the winless Jets. Things didn’t improve Sunday, as a 47-42 loss to the Bears dropped them to 3-6, leaving their playoff hopes barely alive. Seasons like this test everyone, fans, players, even families. But Tee Higgins’ mom isn’t backing down. She’s made it clear she’s sticking with the team.

After the loss in Chicago, a frustrated fan posted on X. “I DO NOT switch teams, I DO NOT bandwagon, I DO NOT enjoy this sport, I WATCH Bengals football, and if they’re a–, I WATCH THEM AGAIN NEXT WEEK,” she wrote.

It summed up what a lot of Cincinnati fans are probably feeling. Higgins’ mother, Lady Stewart, replied to the post, backing up that same loyalty. “Even if Tee ever have to leave I’m still a Bengals gal we started here 🧡🖤,” she commented. And props to her, because supporting the Bengals right now must be a difficult task.

According to The Athletic, they’ve given up at least 27 points in eight straight games, one shy of an NFL record. Their run defense has been especially rough, giving up chunks of yardage week after week. They’re last in rushing offense (78.8 yards per game), last in time of possession (26:49), and near the bottom in just about every other defensive category you can find.

Still, the fans show up. They keep watching, week after week, knowing how it’ll probably end. And Lady Stewart’s loyalty mirrors that. She could easily follow her son if he leaves after the season; he’s earned the right to play for a contender, but she’s choosing to stay with the team that drafted him.

Then again, maybe it won’t come to that. Higgins has always felt like a true Bengal. And despite the team’s struggles, he found a bright spot in a dark season, making a bit of history along the way.

Tee Higgins makes history

Tee Higgins came to Cincinnati in 2020 alongside Joe Burrow, part of the core that was supposed to lift the Bengals into a new era. Since then, he’s quietly built one of the more consistent resumes in football. Four of his first five seasons have ended with 900 or more receiving yards, and he entered this year with 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns on 330 receptions.

The Bengals showed what they thought of him this past offseason, signing him to a four-year, $115 million deal, with $40.9 million guaranteed, $30 million of that up front. It’s a massive investment for a non-number-one wideout, and it means any team thinking of prying him away would have to pay heavily to do it.

While Ja’Marr Chase is the team’s WR1, Higgins has consistently produced like a top-tier WR2.

Even in another frustrating loss Sunday, Higgins showed why he’s worth every bit of it. He finished with seven catches for two touchdowns, extending his home scoring streak to nine straight games at Paycor Stadium. That performance also pushed him past 5,000 career receiving yards.

Higgins has the production, the big contract, a strong connection with Joe Burrow, and plenty of fan support,  so it’s hard to picture him leaving Cincinnati. But in the NFL, loyalty has limits.

If the Bengals keep struggling on defense and missing the playoffs, even someone as committed as Higgins might start thinking about finding success with another team.