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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

Taylor Heinicke’s strange, unfiltered joy at being hit late became an instant meme for NFL fans

Taylor Heinicke NFL Christian DAndrea Eagles Washington

It somewhat got lost in the shuffle of the Philadelphia Eagles’ undefeated season finally coming to an end on Monday night, but we can’t forget the Washington Commanders’ Taylor Heinicke’s antics.

After helping cement Washington’s 32-21 upset of divisional rival Philadelphia, Heinicke did something we rarely see on a football field. You see, most quarterbacks don’t enjoy getting hit. Most organizations would prefer the most important position on the field take as few hits as possible. If a quarterback has to take some punishment, it’d be fair to say most folks would prefer it doesn’t happen late after a play is already over.

With Heinicke’s Commanders trying to keep the Eagles from getting the ball with a chance to win in the final two minutes, the quarterback took a hard late hit from Brandon Graham while already surrendering himself. While, yes, the hit did technically finalize Washington’s win as it extended the possession with a roughing-the-passer penalty. But you’d think Heinicke would at least take some time to dust himself off instead of exploding in happiness.

Uh, he did not.

Incredible. The first-down signal. The ensuing look to the heavens as if he just ripped a 60-yard laser downfield for a touchdown. And the hit that clearly never happened because it meant a big win for his team — if you got inside the mind of Heinicke, anyway.

We are in uncharted territory regarding quarterbacks taking unnecessary shots and loving it. At the rate this Commanders season is going, this might not be the first time we see Heinicke jumping around in joy after goading an opponent into a rough penalty.

NFL fans turned Heinicke celebrating being hit late into tons of jokes and instant meme

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