Strange Play Helps Packers Top Vikings

ByABC News
November 6, 2000, 3:28 PM

G R E E N  B A Y, Wis., Nov. 6 -- If center Frank Winters hadnt justcalled for a dry football, the Lambeau Leap might not have givenway to the Freeman Fluke.

Who says football is all skill? Antonio Freeman said with asmile after his freakish 43-yard touchdown catch 3:39 into overtimegave the Green Bay Packers a thrilling 26-20 victory over theMinnesota Vikings on Monday night.

It followed Minnesotas botched game-winning 33-yard field goalattempt on the last play of the fourth quarter.

Every Catch an Adventure

After sending a drenched football to the sideline, Brett Favrelaunched a deep pass to Freeman, who slipped on the wet grass ascornerback Chris Dishman deflected the ball at the 20-yard line.

The ball bounced off the back of Freemans left shoulder as herolled over, and he tipped it into his chest with his right handbefore it hit the ground.

Freeman grabbed the ball, jumped up, juked safety RobertGriffith and rumbled into the end zone.

I got an early Christmas gift. It fell right into my hands,Freeman said. I knew it didnt hit the ground.

The swirling winds made every catch an adventure.

The ball was changing trajectory all night. It affected ourreceivers. It affected their defender on that play, Freeman said.Dishman made a good play. It hit his right hand and his shoulderpad as I fell back.

Stunning Win

Both teams were already scattered across the field, some inprayer at midfield, when the officials finally announced the playstood as called.

The type of season were having, we needed a break, Freemansaid. We got one tonight.

In the commotion, Favre didnt even know who he was talking to.

During all the mayhem, I asked him, Hey, did you catch it?Favre recounted. It was (receiver) Donald Driver who I asked. Hesaid, I dont know if he caught it. When I got to Free, he said,I caught it.