Hart-Ache: Comedian Kevin Hart in Wheelchair After Race Against Ex Patriots' RB

In their quest to bolster their running game, the New England Patriots signed relatively "old" Ezekiel Elliott. Even at 28 and with critics claiming he doesn't have much "juice" left, the Pats could have done much worse.

They could have, for example, reached out for Stevan Ridley. Or, they could have taken a flier on comedian Kevin Hart. But not for long.

The entertainer and host of the popular "Hart to Heart" podcast is calling himself the "dumbest man alive" after challenging Ridley to a 40-yard dash and in the process suffering injuries that have him a wheelchair. Hart, 44, posted a video to his Instagram this week, telling his 178 million followers that during the failed race he tore muscles in his lower abdomen and hip abductors.

“44 and sitting my ass down!!!!!," Hart said. "I got to be the dumbest man alive!!!!! What the f–k am I doing???? I blew my s–t….I’m done. FML. I’m in a wheelchair."

At 34, Ridley is no "spring chicken," and is five years from his last carry in the NFL. Hart, however, learned a valuable - painful - lesson about challenging a former professional athlete to a foot race.

Age is fleeting in the NFL. Patriots' rookie Christian Gonzalez said this week it is a "dream" to play with his childhood hero, Elliott. Gonzalez is 21; Elliott 28.

"I tried to jump out there and do some young stuff,” Hart said. "This debate was based off who’s faster. Those that know me know, I’m pretty fast. Stevan said, ‘Kevin, ain’t no way you’re gonna beat me.’ What are we competing for at this age? What am I doing? Why did I even race? Stupidest s–t ever, now I can’t walk.”

Ridley was drafted in the third round out of LSU by the Pats in 2011. He played four seasons in Foxboro, rushing for almost 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. Plagued by injuries and fumbling issues, he eventually lost his job to LeGarrette Blount in 2013. In 2014 he suffered a torn ACL and was placed on injured reserve, but still won a ring for the Pats' victory in Super Bowl XLIX.

He later played with the Jets, Falcons and Steelers before retiring after the 2018 season.

Said Hart in a hilarious public service announcement, "To all my men and women out there that are 40 years old and above. It’s not a game, respect that age."

Follow Richie Whitt on Twitter

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.