... catch your first pass in the NFL?
Jake Nordin, Detroit Lions tight end from Lake Lillian
(The former ACGC star caught his first NFL pass from Drew Stanton against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 20.)
The play called in the huddle was a bootleg to the right. I was on the left-hand side of the line. I was put into a fake motion to see whether or not the Cardinals’ defense would be in man or zone, which gives the quarterback a better idea of who is going to be open. I had a 10-12 yard crossing route, giving an option for (quarterback) Drew Stanton if the front side receivers didn't have a clear opening. As I went across, I could feel I was getting open. I wanted to make sure that I got in Drew's eyesight so he knew where I was. He saw me and threw it. It was the fourth quarter of the game and usually the sun has no factor in Ford Field, but for some reason there was the sun right in my eyes as the ball was coming to me. To say the least the catch wasn't the easiest I have ever had. I then turned up field and the catch turned out to be 15 yards. Making sure I remembered that play for the rest of my life, I flipped the football to one of our equipment guys to keep. Eventually, we scored a touchdown on that series, and that sealed off a great drive and my first catch in the NFL. I’ll always remember that catch.”
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