clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Dan Connolly Return Among Best Ever For Linemen?

New England Patriots lineman Dan Connolly single-handedly altered the course of the Patriots-Packers game last night at Gillette Stadium.  The Patriots were down 10 late in the first half when the Packers decided on a squib-kick.  Here is what happened next:

Why would the Packers squib?  Their special teams units have been awful all season and they couldn't afford a long return right before half.  The right plan, the wrong execution.

Is that the best return for a lineman ever?  Perhaps on a kick-off - it was the longest kick-off return for a lineman in NFL History - but Keith Traylor of the Chicago Bears may have done Connolly a bit better back in 2001.  Take a look:


Not only did Traylor make an incredible play on the interception, he nearly ran it all the way back for a touchdown.  Which ever one you think is better, they are both incredible plays by guys not associated with athleticism.

Photographs by spatulated, Triple Tri, and chrischappelear used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.