Tanner McKee’s first profession NFL landing go was thrown to a Philadelphia Eagles fan named Patrick.
OK, McKee really threw the 20-yard landing to Pro Bowl huge receiver AJ Brown, who — in a momentary lapse of purpose — tossed the memento soccer into the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
Uh-oh.
“I felt so dangerous,” Brown mentioned, “as a result of I threw it to date.”
McKee, a 2023 sixth-round select of Stanford, is a profession third-string QB who had by no means performed a snap within the common season till he was compelled into emergency obligation Sunday towards Dallas.
Jalen Hurts did not begin due to a concussion, and Kenny Pickett — who ran and threw for a landing within the Eagles’ 41-7 win — was knocked out of the sport with injured ribs.
(Read extra: 2024 NFL Playoffs Image: Four extra postseason berths nonetheless up for grabs in Week 17)
That opened the door for the 24-year-old McKee to play in a recreation the place the Eagles clinched the NFC East.
He did his half, together with a 20-yard strike within the third that made it 34-7. The celebration was quickly dampened when he realized that his ball – a key reminiscence for any participant – was someplace within the stands.
McKee did not know the ball would come again to him.
Eagles followers began a ball relay as soon as they realized its significance to McKee. The fan who caught the ball was promised a Brown jersey. He despatched the ball to a fan, who handed it to Eagles head safety “Big” Dom DiSandro to ship it to a different Eagles worker in Brown and eventually to McKee.
Guaranteed reminiscence.
(Read extra: Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 dashing yards as Eagles seize NFC East title)
“I recognize whoever returned the ball,” McKee mentioned. “(Brown) was like, ‘Sorry, brother. I obtained the ball again.’ So yeah, it was good, he made an excellent play and clearly an excellent catch.
It was Brown’s shot that wanted work.
Brown stripped down and signed his recreation jersey and gave it to a fan named Patrick as thanks for returning the ball, all whereas followers chanted “EAGLES!” round him.
“We have nice followers right here,” Brown mentioned.
McKee wanted extra space on the trophy shelf: He threw a second landing go within the fourth quarter.
Associated Press reporting.
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