The best big-man touchdown of the season didn't count, but the Miami Dolphins found a way to celebrate it anyway
- Dolphins guard Robert Hunt fulfilled the dream of every NFL big man: scoring a touchdown.
- Unfortunately, Hunt's score was taken off the board, as he was not an eligible receiver on the play.
Miami Dolphins guard Robert Hunt fulfilled the dream of every big man in the NFL on Thursday night: scoring a touchdown.
Unfortunately for Hunt, his dramatic score wouldn't ultimately count.
With the Dolphins looking to extend their lead over the Ravens at the start of the fourth quarter, the Miami offense dialed up a screen pass on third-and-goal. The ball was intended for running back Myles Gaskin, but as the pocket quickly dissolved around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Gaskin was caught in traffic as the pass went into the air.
In the heat of the moment, Hunt decided it was his time to shine, snatching the ball out of the air and rumbling towards the goal line.
Just as he crossed the plane, Hunt was upended by the Ravens defense, resulting in one of the most awe-inspiring highlights of the NFL season thus far.
All 327 pounds of Hunt sailed through the air with grace and determination. Poets will write of his effort for years to come.
Unfortunately for Hunt and the Dolphins, Hunt's heroic effort wouldn't count towards the final score. As an offensive lineman, Hunt was not an eligible receiver on the play. The play was dead as soon as he caught the ball.
The Dolphins took a penalty and ultimately settled for a field goal.
"I was just trying to get into the end zone," Hunt said after the game. "I'm not going to lie to you. I was just trying to get in the end zone. ... I just tried to score, even though it didn't count."
Despite Hunt's touchdown being taken off the board, spirits were high in Miami after the game as the Dolphins pulled off an upset victory over the Ravens.
And even though his play didn't count, the Dolphins still found a way to celebrate his play for the feat that it was, immortalizing his airborne adventure on one of the team's elevators.
While Hunt might not get credit for this week's touchdown, between the grace he showed on the play and solid footwork he had with the ball in his hands, don't be surprised if the Dolphins draw up a goal-line play for him in the coming weeks.
This touchdown might not have counted, but the next one will.