Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew says he never meant to take a shot at Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler or question his toughness.
The Jacksonville standout tells The Associated Press his Tweet comparing Cutler to former Florida coach Urban Meyer was merely a joke -- one that clearly backfired.
Jones-Drew says he was rooting for Cutler and the Bears in Sunday's NFC championship game, and when Cutler left in the third quarter, Jones-Drew thought it was the perfect time to poke fun at the Gators.
"Hey I think the urban meyer rule is effect right now... When the going gets tough........QUIT," Jones-Drew posted on his Twitter page.
Jones-Drew has received death threats and plenty of ill will from Bears' fans. The Bears have also defended Cutler, who was diagnosed with MCL tear on Monday.