Shemar Stewart just got his 'Welcome to the NFL' moment before the season even started

The longest offseason award in the NFL this season probably goes to Shemar Stewart.

After one of more toxic situations in the NFL this calendar year, Stewart couldn't get a contract signed because of language unclear in the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Bengals owner went as far as to say that he shouldn't pay anyone if they're 'sitting in jail.' This could've easily been the last straw between Stewart and the Bengals, but they eventually got something signed.

Now, fast forward to a few days after the Bengals' first preseason game, and his teammates are already giving him the business. Stewart started a huge melee after he hit Joe Burrow in practice. Whether or not Stewart tripped or not remains up for debate, but it's safe to say Stewart just got his welcome to the NFL.

Bengals send a clear message to Stewart to not hit the face of their franchise

Center Ted Karras sent a message to his rookie teammate after practice to just be smarter. Karras also acknowledged that his peers on the offensive line are to blame as well, as Stewart just shot through a wide open gap.

For fans wondering why just a bump could've caused an all-out brawl, the quarterback is the de facto face of the team, and you don't lay a hand on the quarterback at all in training camp. The message from Karras to his OL is accurate, considering Stewart was able to get to Burrow easily.

To Texas A&M fans, this is probably funny for the most part. Considering Stewart spent so much time trying to hit the practice field just to eventually hit Burrow is probably a priceless memory that his teammates will remember for a long time.

It's stil safe to say that this was officially Stewart's 'welcome' moment to the NFL, even if the season hasn't kicked off yet.