Green Bay Packers' Unlikely Hero Receives Game Ball For Stepping Up Despite "Losing 2 Partners To Tragedy"

Green Bay Packers cornerback Robert Rochell was awarded the game ball after they defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-17 on Thanksgiving night.

Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Robert Rochell (22) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The one-time Super Bowl champion was on the Green Bay Packers practice squad a few days ago. Jaire Alexander was inactive and Corey Ballentine suffered a knee injury early in the match, so Robert Rochell had to step in, and he made the most of his opportunity.

Robert Rochell made a huge special-teams play after the Green Bay Packers had to punt the ball, as he recovered Malik Washington’s muffed punt return from Daniel Whelan’s kick. Three plays later, Jordan Love teed up Jayden Reed for a short touchdown pass to set the tone for the rest of the evening.

January 19, 2020; Santa Clara, California, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur before the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

For making the big play, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur rewarded Robert Rochell for his efforts.

A special night for Green Bay Packers’ Robert Rochell

Robert Rochell was congratulated by everyone for receiving the Miami Dolphins game ball, and he said that it meant a lot to him due to the circumstances of the match.

“It means a lot to me going out there tonight,” Rochell said via Wes Hodkiewicz on X (formerly known as Twitter). “I lost two of my partners earlier today, tragedy. But I still showed up because I love my teammates, and I’m gonna be here every day.

“And we love you!” Keisean Nixon said in reply.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Bo Melton (80) against the San Francisco 49ers during their football game Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Josh Jacobs agrees that Robert Rochell deserved to get the game ball because the early momentum swing gave the team a huge boost.

“That was big because I felt like we started off a little slow,” Jacobs said via Packers.com. “I feel like the first run I kind of misplaced where I wanted to run. That was like the only run I wish I could’ve had back today. That (fumble recovery) was a huge momentum-changer.”

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