Kyle Hamilton nabbed two of the Baltimore Ravens’ three interceptions in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 16 matchup.
However, his second turnover was particularly impressive to NFL fans, providing a vivid demonstration of how a player shouldn’t stop giving full effort until the whistle blows.
Midway through the second quarter, Hamilton ran a blitz between the 49ers’ left tackle and guard. He was quickly flattened by Aaron Banks and Christian McCaffrey. (McCaffrey was flagged for an illegal chop block, going low while Banks blocked high.)
For most players, the play probably would’ve ended there. Yet Hamilton quickly got back up when he saw 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy scrambling to make a throw and ran into position to make a play.
With that effort, the second-year safety was in exactly the right place to make an interception when Purdy’s pass attempt bounced off George Kittle. Hamilton jumped to catch the ricochet for the Ravens’ third turnover of the half.
Fans on social media applauded Hamilton’s relentless effort which paid off with an impactful play against one of the favorites for NFL MVP.
kyle hamilton best safety in the league 😭😭😭 effort is unreal pic.twitter.com/FSbjJAxjT5
— 🏜️ (@SimplyAS10) December 26, 2023
Draws a 15 yard penalty, then gets up t make interception. So inspirational especially on Christmas.
— Big Haus (@BigHaus234) December 26, 2023
Great players are always near the ball
— Street Clothes 🧢 (@LeCap623) December 26, 2023
He's a game changing player, which is rare at safety
— Teebs McGeebs (@TeebsMcGeebs) December 26, 2023
Kyle Hamilton got slammed into the turf, got up, stayed with the play and got an interception…
— Kendall Dina (@BLACKPINKLRJJJ) December 26, 2023
This is why you never give up on the play 🤧