Los Angeles Chargers running back Troymaine Pope was about to enter halftime of the team’s second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints with just 25 yards under his name — 13 receiving, two rushing and 10 on a punt return.
Evidently, that wasn’t good enough. So when the Saints punted while trailing 10-3 with 23 seconds left in the half, Pope took advantage. After catching Thomas Morstead’s 55-yard punt, Pope waded through a little oncoming traffic, escaped three tackle attempt and bolted down the field for a stunning 81-yard touchdown punt return.
Once he hit the Chargers’ own 40-yard line, he was gone, giving Los Angeles a 17-3 lead going into halftime.
The Chargers lost their first preseason game to the Arizona Cardinals, 17-13. Pope finished that game with six carries for 15 yards and two catches for 20 yards, along with an 8-yard punt return.
This play definitely stands out for the 25-year-old running back who was waived from the Chargers’ 53-man roster in January and then signed a reserve/future contract with the team later that month.
