Gutsy play: Packers QB Malik Willis declines to pass after teammate vomits on ball
Malik Willis is still waiting for his first passing touchdown in the NFL, but he decided to call off a passing play after finding the ball slick with an unexpected substance.
The Green Bay Packers quarterback got the ball on third-and-10 on what appeared to be a passing play, but instead opted to grab the ball and run.
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the play after the game and came up with a good excuse for Willis.
“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down and he told me that [Packers center] Jos [Myers] threw up on the ball. I was like, ‘That’s the first time I’ve heard that,'” LaFleur said. “Actually, the umpire came up to me and said, ‘You know, we saw your center throw up on the ball. Do you want us to take him out next time?’ I said, ‘Absolutely, please do that.’ Because you’re talking about a critical situation. And it’s third down and I’ve never had a throw up on the ball, so I don’t know … Malik probably didn’t appreciate that.”
Willis did not wear gloves during Sunday’s game.
Myers appeared to throw up just off the ball. It didn’t seem to bother him much, as he stayed in the game and helped anchor an offensive line that gave up zero sacks while the Green Bay rushing attack racked up 261 yards on the ground.
The Packers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 for their first win of the season.