New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson was nearly denied one of the best touchdown catches in NFL history in a controversial fourth-quarter play against the Houston Texans. The catch fueled a change in New York’s early stagnant offense, leading to a 21-13 win.
In a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Texans, Wilson delivered a catch for the ages compared only to the best grabs in NFL history. The highlight of the night came in the fourth quarter on a critical third-and-long situation when quarterback Aaron Rodgers launched a 26-yard pass toward the sideline, where Wilson executed a jaw-dropping one-handed catch.
Extending fully, he secured the ball with his right hand, ensuring his left shin landed inbounds, followed by his right foot, all while maintaining possession all the way through the play. The display of body control and timing drew immediate comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic catch with the Giants.
Initially ruled out of bounds, the play underwent a thorough review from league officials, leading to a commercial break. Upon closer examination, officials overturned the call, awarding the Jets a touchdown and a 14-10 lead over Houston.
The play injected New York with a much-needed spark. The Jets went on back-to-back touchdown drives and took a near two-touchdown lead with less than three minutes remaining. The wins snapped a five-game losing streak and improved the Jets to a 3-6 record under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced the fired Robert Saleh after a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
“Honestly, Im not thinking about much. How can I make a play? Give myself a chance to make a play.Aaron believed in me. Once the balls going up you got no other choice but to go and try and do what you can do.,” said Wilson after the game about the catch. He then admitted he was surprised the touchdown was given after the on-field call was overturned.
“Im glad they switched the call. I wasnt so sure they would, and it was a cool play. We needed it. At the end of the day, I pride myself on coming through when we need it. I wasnt that confident, honestly. I wasnt that confident,” he added during the play review. I dont really know exactly what goes into it, but they said I had the shin down. Well take it.
Rodgers leaned on the pass-catching duo of Wilson and Davante Adams, with both wideouts catching at least seven passes for over 90 yards and a touchdown. With double-digit targets apiece, Adams caught a crucial 37-yard pass down the seam that also earned praise online.
Wilsons instantly famous catch sent social media into an uproar, nearly all showering Wilson with high praise for his athletic ability. One fan wrote, “Catch of the season, insane,” while another said, “That might be one of the greatest catches Ive seen.”
Another NFL fan wrote, “This dude is an incredible athlete.” A Jets fan who saw enough wrote, “Make it a poster. Thats the catch of the year by far.” The TD was Wilson’s second of the game. He connected with Rodgers on a 21-yard pass midway through the second quarter to tie the game.
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