The Eagles’ dominant 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday was a game full of milestones. The Birds clinched the NFC East as well as the number two seed in the playoffs, Saquon Barkley became only the ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards, and third-string quarterback Tanner McKee threw his first ever NFL touchdown pass.
But McKee’s 20-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown – which extended the Eagles lead to 34-7 – was almost tainted. After scoring the touchdown, Brown threw the ball into the stands and into the hand of Eagles fan Patrick Driscoll.
“I grabbed it with one hand right here,” Driscoll told NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark.
Brown said he didn't realize his mistake at first.
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“When Nick came over and told me like, ‘You threw Tanner’s first touchdown pass into the stands,’ and I was like, ‘Ah, man.’ I wasn’t thinking about it. I don’t know what I was thinking about," Brown said.
McKee said he didn't realize what happened at first as he was too busy celebrating with his team.
“I actually had no idea that he launched it into the stands because I was hugging the O-linemen, I was pretty excited," McKee said. "And then I run off. And I’m like looking for A.J., like, you know, I was going to say congratulations, thanks for catching my first touchdown. Then someone’s like, ‘Oh, he hucked it into the stands. He’s trying to go get it back.'"
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After being asked to return the ball, Driscoll was happy to oblige.
“A.J. looked at me from the sideline and he told me, he said, ‘Let’s get that ball back and send you a signed jersey when the game’s over,’” Driscoll said.
After Driscoll gave the ball back, Brown kept his promise and gave him his signed jersey.
“Shout out to Patrick for catching the ball first and giving it back,” Brown said.
Driscoll said the thought of selling the football never crossed his mind.
“No, let’s get them that ball back,” Driscoll said. “Let’s keep this thing rolling and into the playoffs baby. Let’s win this Super Bowl. Sirianni and the Eagles baby. Let’s go. Let’s do it.”
You heard him, Eagles. Let's do it! Go Birds!
