Tim Patrick was almost forgotten by the NFL.
His career had been wrecked by injuries.
Tim Patrick went more than 1,000 days waiting for his big night with the Lions[/caption]
After going undrafted out of Utah, Patrick spent two years out of the league and went 1,082 days without scoring a touchdown.
On Thursday Night Football, Detroit needed every bit of help to hold on for a tough 34-31 home victory against Green Bay.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell finished off the Packers with a gutsy fourth-down call, while Jake Bates kicked a last-second game-winning field goal.
But it was an emotional Patrick who best captured the night for the Lions, who improved to 12-1 and remained on top of talkSPORT’s Super Bowl contenders list.
“Amazing,” Patrick said. “Amazing.
“My dad’s birthday is tomorrow. He passed away — that was all him.”
The 31-year-old Patrick started his pro career with Denver and started 16 games in 2021, catching 53 passes for 734 yards and five touchdowns for the Broncos.
Then Patrick hit a wall.
He tore his ACL and his Achilles, and was twice placed on injured reserve.
Denver tried to trade the wide receiver but was unable, and Patrick was eventually released.
Patrick was asked about his two touchdowns[/caption]
He became emotional thinking of his dad who has passed away[/caption]
Detroit fans were thankful for Patrick stepping up for the Lions[/caption]
He was signed by Detroit to the Lions’ practice squad in August, then had to work his way up to the active roster.
With Campbell’s crew trying to hold off Minnesota and Philadelphia for the best record in the NFC and a No. 1 playoff seed, Patrick caught six balls for 43 yards and two huge TDs on TNF.
“It was all good,” Patrick said. “I’m blessed. Very blessed.”
Fans loved the heartwarming moment, and praised Patrick for his resilience during a two-year period that saw him unable to take the field.
“He played such a good game,” one fan tweeted. “His dad would be proud and he should be proud of himself as well.”
“This is great,” a second fan posted.
“Tim Patrick comeback arc is what I’m here for,” a third fan wrote.
“Very wholesome,” a fourth fan said.
Patrick inspired the Lions and viewers on Thursday.
The Lions clawed out another win and kept dreaming of the Super Bowl.
“This will be one of those you’ll never forget,” Campbell said.
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