In the NFL postseason, heroes can come from anywhere. The Houston Texans’ Steven Sims is an excellent example of this.
As Houston battled the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC divisional round on Saturday, Sims took back a 67-yard punt for a touchdown late in the second quarter to knot the score up at 10 points apiece. The play proved particularly pivotal given that the Texans hadn’t really settled into the battle against the NFL’s top overall playoff seed quite yet.
And in one fell swoop, Sims — who was just promoted from the Texans’ practice squad earlier this week — flipped this postseason game on its head. You couldn’t have scripted it any better:
STEVEN SIMS HOUSE CALL IN BALTIMORE 😱#HOUvBAL pic.twitter.com/SqeCtQjv4s
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2024
Steven Sims three days ago: Called up from practice squad
Steven Sims today: pic.twitter.com/tL44EjWtd5
— NFL (@NFL) January 20, 2024
It goes to show you that it’s important to persevere, regardless of your circumstances. Chances are, your opportunity to make an impact will eventually come, even if you’re on the practice squad. And when it does, you better be ready.
It’s safe to say Sims more than maximized his opening.
This was how Twitter reacted to Sims' punt return TD against the Ravens
Preparation meets opportunity https://t.co/BYy8pydw36
— The Mighty Quinn (@Mak_Suave) January 20, 2024
This guy was on the practice squad three days ago. Definition of seizing your opportunity and we love to see it. https://t.co/WPDnExXRjX
— Imisi (@ImisiAda) January 20, 2024
Awesome to see FB Travis HS product, Steven Sims, get the 67 yd punt return for the TD! The Texans really needed that. Sims was activated this week off the practice squad. @HoustonTexans This game is tied at 10-10.
— Matt Musil (@KHOUSportsMatt) January 20, 2024
STEVEN SIMS MY PRACTICE SQUAD KINGGGGG
— Billy (@BillyBigShot12) January 20, 2024
#Sims got the call after Noah Brown went down and came ready for the moment. https://t.co/vwom9mFfOa
— Mary Rominger (@MaryRomingerTV) January 20, 2024
Making the most of the opportunity #WeAreTexans #opportunity #striveforgreatness https://t.co/yoIg9gjZJ0
— J&L Stadium Tour Unleashed (@JnLSTUnleashed) January 20, 2024
Amazing . https://t.co/crb1mpIK9K
— R.I.P. Papa G (@AlreadyTakin_20) January 20, 2024
Started the week on the practice squad, now he’s here… https://t.co/hMaED7hi7S
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) January 20, 2024
Making the most of your opportunities ✅ https://t.co/qlMzeCHILJ
— 🅿️atriot Moss (@Patriot_Moss) January 20, 2024
