Green Bay Packers QB Malik Willis opts not to throw on key down after center throws up on the ballThe Green Bay Packers left it all – and a little bit more – on the field against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
With starting quarterback Jordan Love sidelined after suffering a knee injury in the Packers’ season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, newly acquired backup Malik Willis was thrust into the action upon the Packers’ return to Lambeau Field.
Willis has only been a member of the squad for three weeks after being traded from the Tennessee Titans on August 26 and appeared to adjust admirably in his debut, but he couldn’t have possibly foreseen an unpleasant moment that he shared with a member of his offensive line.During the second quarter with the Green Bay offense at third down and 10, center Josh Myers appeared to vomit on the field before immediately snapping the ball to Willis.
Instead of throwing the football – as is common on third and long – Willis took off and ran, gaining around three yards before being tackled. According to Packers head coach Matt LeFleur, Willis explained that he elected to run because Myers had actually thrown up on the football itself.
“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down, and he told me Josh threw up on the ball,” said LaFleur. “I was like, ‘That’s the first time I ever heard that!’
“The official came over to me, and said, ‘We saw your center throwing 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 to throw with vomit on the football. Malik probably didn’t appreciate that.”
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