DeAngelo Williams wears goggles in response to Steve Smith's 'blood and guts' pledge

With all the controversy that's followed the NFL this season, the football headlines have sorely lacked some good ol' fashioned player-on-player hijinks to lighten the mood. Thanks be to Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams for temporarily breaking up the more serious midweek banter.

In response to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith's promise of "blood and guts" upon facing the Carolina Panthers for the first time, his former longtime teammate Williams answered the call by wearing ski goggles during Thursday's media session.

When the Panthers released Smith in March, the five-time Pro Bowler took to a Charlotte radio station to announce, "I want to make sure that whatever team I go to, they’re going to get the best, in-shape 35-year-old guy they can get. If that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on cause there’s going to be blood and guts everywhere."

Shortly thereafter, the veteran signed a three-year deal with the Ravens, who happen to play host to the Panthers in Week 4. Hence, Williams' goggles, which the running back happened to have lying around because a) "I'm an Eric Dickerson fan," b) "to keep mud out of my eyes when I'm on my ATV," c) Smith's comments or d) "It's great eye protection" or e) all of the above, according to ESPN.

Williams and Smith spent eight seasons together on the Panthers, making their way to the top of every major category on Carolina's all-time rushing and receiving lists, respectively. So, when Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman cut ties with Smith, the outspoken wide receiver took issue, even sprinkling in a few expletives as he screamed into a camera following an 80-yard touchdown catch in Week 1.

"And if you think I can't play," he said, "you're going to find out in Week 4."

Get your goggles ready.