EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Step aside, Odell Beckham Jr.; Garrett Wilson may have just claimed your spot among the NFL’s greatest catches.
In a thrilling game on Thursday night, Wilson delivered a spectacular 26-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter, helping the New York Jets break their five-game losing streak with a 21-13 victory over the Houston Texans.
“It was a huge play. I just kind of lobbed one up there, and he made an unbelievable catch,” remarked Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “That’s a game-changing play.” Rodgers showcased his impressive passing skills, throwing three touchdown passes during the game, which also included another spectacular one-handed score by Wilson and a 37-yard connection to newly acquired wide receiver Davante Adams. The victory marked the Jets’ first win in four games under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, lifting their record to 3-6.
As the Jets trailed 10-7, they faced a daunting third-and-19 from the Texans’ 26-yard line. With the game hanging in the balance, Rodgers launched a pass toward Wilson in the end zone. The star wide receiver leapt into the air, spreading his legs and extending his right hand to snag the ball — a move reminiscent of the iconic “Jumpman” logo made famous by basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Initially ruled an incomplete pass, the call was challenged by Coach Ulbrich. “Oh, my goodness,” he exclaimed, speaking to the referee during the review. “I mean, I was talking to the ref when they were reviewing it. I was like, ‘Just for the sake of posterity, you have to say that’s in just so it goes down in history.’”
A video review confirmed that Wilson’s shin was down in the end zone, resulting in a touchdown call that gave the Jets a crucial 14-10 lead with 12:54 remaining in the game. The play ignited the MetLife Stadium crowd, sending fans into a frenzy after enduring a challenging game with little to cheer for until that moment.
Wilson’s remarkable catch drew comparisons to Beckham’s legendary one-handed grab against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, a moment that is still celebrated among NFL fans. The similarity in the catches underscores Wilson’s emergence as a premier receiver in the league and his ability to make jaw-dropping plays when it matters most.
The victory not only boosted the Jets’ morale but also showcased the team’s potential to turn their season around. With Wilson making highlight-reel plays and Rodgers finding his rhythm, the Jets are looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. As the season progresses, Wilson’s sensational catch will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point for the Jets and a moment that reaffirms his status as one of the league’s elite wide receivers.
