When New York Giants rookie running back Jonathan Hilliman powered through the line for his first-ever NFL touchdown on Friday night in a 32-13 victory over the Chicago Bears, he tossed the ball aside and pretended like he had been there before.
It was a veteran move and showed Hilliman’s teammates it’s more about the collective unit than the individual, but he probably should have been at least a little selfish.
Thankfully, former college rival, Saquon Barkley, was aware of the moment and saved Hilliman, who very nearly lost the football from his first score.
“I was in the moment and I should’ve kept it,” Hilliman said, via NJ Advance Media. “I just kind of flicked it.
“That’s a good guy. He got it for me and said, ‘This is a special moment. Congratulations, man. Continued success, don’t let it stop you or get your head too big, keep fighting, and you’ve definitely got some respect around here.'”
Grateful for both the football and the sage advice, Hilliman took to Twitter to thank Barkley publicly.
After suffering a concussion in his first NFL game against the New York Jets in Week 1 of the preseason, Hilliman knew he had to come back strong against the Bears. He did and it’s a moment he’ll never forget — thanks in part to Barkley returning the souvenir to its rightful owner.
