Green Bay Packers rookie tight end Ben Sims couldn’t have dreamed of a better first-career NFL touchdown than the one he had in Sunday night’s 27-19 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The play occurred on the game’s first drive after the Packers’ offense moved the ball to the Chiefs’ 1-yard line. Rather than give the ball to AJ Dillon, Jordan Love faked the handoff and rolled to his right. While the play action was taking place, Sims acted like a blocker before releasing from the line and making his way into the flat. Love found the wide-open Sims, who then showed no hesitation sprinting towards the stands at Lambeau Field.
The undrafted rookie out of Baylor described the feeling of his first Lambeau Leap after the game.
“Growing up, you always wish to play in the NFL and you always wish to play in the mecca of pro football,” said Sims. “Today, I got to do that and I got to score my first touchdown and got to Lambeau Leap. So, my heart is full.”
First NFL TD for Ben Sims ✅
First Lambeau Leap for Ben Sims ✅📺: #KCvsGB on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/CQH1cx3gZS pic.twitter.com/VBgaxibcsI— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2023
Sims’ one-yard touchdown grab was not only his first but a first in the history of the NFL. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Green Bay is the first team in the Super Bowl era to have three rookie tight ends catch a touchdown pass in a season. The team’s second and third-round picks, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, also have touchdown receptions this year.
Before arriving in Green Bay, Sims was signed by the Minnesota Vikings after not hearing his name the NFL Draft. He flashed his skillset throughout the preseason but was released during final cutdowns. The Packers signed him to their active roster on August 31.
In 12 games this season, Sims has primarily been used as a run blocker. He was known for this at Baylor, where his physicality was counted on in the Bears’ run-heavy offense. However, after his touchdown in primetime against the defending Super Bowl champs, he has now caught three out for four targets for 15 yards and a touchdown.
Sims has appeared in only 13 percent of the offensive snaps but played a career-high 20 snaps against the Chiefs. This was likely due to Josiah Deguara missing his second straight game with a hip injury, but Sims played well and made a great memory that will last a lifetime. He said he plans to put the ball used to catch his first career touchdown in a case and display it somewhere in his home.
