Ex-NFL star fires off strong message after Biden-Trump debate

A group of voters polled by Fox News Digital in real-time reacts to former President Trump's 'retribution' comment.

Former NFL star T.J. Ward criticized potential supporters of President Biden Thursday night as he and millions of others tuned in to watch the first debate between Biden and former President Trump.

Ward, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion who played in the NFL through the 2017 season, wrote a scathing message on social media.

"If you vote for Biden I’m convinced your def dumb and blind," the former Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos player wrote on X.

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President Biden stands at his podium during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season against former President Trump at CNN's studios in Atlanta June 27, 2024. (Kevin D. Liles for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Similar sentiment, albeit maybe more toned down, was blasted across social media throughout the night. Biden stumbled out of the gate during the debate, sparking panic among members of the Democratic Party.

One well-connected Democratic source told Fox News late Thursday after the debate the House and the Senate are Republican — for now — adding, "everyone is freaking out" and that Biden "needs to go."

However, there is "no way they replace him unless he agrees," the source said.

Former Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, said during an appearance on MSNBC after the debate that Biden "failed" to show Americans he was "up to the job at his age."

Strong safety T.J. Ward of the Denver Broncos watching the game play out during the fourth quarter as the Denver Broncos hosted the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo., Aug.