Malik Willis opted against a passing play after discovering the ball was slick with an unexpected substance during the Green Bay Packers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
On a third and 10, Willis received the snap in what seemed like a passing situation but chose to run with the ball instead.
Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the play after the game and provided a humorous explanation on Malik Willis’s behalf.
“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down, and he told me [Packers center] Josh [Myers] had thrown up on it. I was like, ‘That’s a first for me,’” LaFleur said. “In fact, the official came over and said, ‘We saw your center throw up on the ball. Should we take him out next time?’ I said, ‘Yes, please do.’ It was a critical situation, third down, and I’ve never thrown with vomit on a football, so I can’t say … Malik probably wasn’t too thrilled about it.”
Willis wasn’t wearing gloves during the game.
Myers appeared to vomit just next to the ball but wasn’t fazed, remaining in the game and anchoring an offensive line that allowed zero sacks as Green Bay’s rushing attack racked up 261 yards.
“I’ve got a job to do,” Myers said after the game, noting that he had also vomited in the Packers’ season opener. “Unfortunately, no one cares if I’m throwing up, as long as I don’t give up a sack. I’ve got to block them, that’s all that matters.”
Sunday’s game, played in 85°F (29°C) heat, may have led to overhydration, Myers suggested. “I think I might’ve been waterlogged or something,” he said.
The Packers went on to defeat the Colts 16-10 for their first win of the season.
