Dustin Hopkins could barely walk. The Los Angeles Chargers kicker had suffered a sore leg following a 37-yard field goal mid-game. However, when the result depended on his kick, the 32-year-old managed to deliver a 39-yard FG in overtime.
Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos 19-16 at the SoFi Stadium on Monday.
About 2:38 minutes were remaining in overtime, Hopkins was called on the field to deliver what was the last play of the game. With a hamstring injury troubling him, the kicker shot the ball accurately. It was his fourth FG on Monday.
Watch Dustin Hopkins’ final field goal:
Hopkins was given the game ball in the team locker room. “Thank the Lord on three,” he said with all fists in.
“Dude can barely stand and hit a OT Game Winner. Dustin Hopkins — DAWG,” a Twitter user said.
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“Dustin Hopkins might be the toughest kicker in football. In obvious pain,” another one added.
“Dustin Hopkins is my new favorite non packer. Wow what a genuine guy. Thanked his Lord and Savior first, and then answered every question with so much class. You’ve earned a lifelong fan in me!” a third one tweeted.
The Chargers now have won three straight to improve to 4-2. They are tied with Kansas City atop the AFC West.
The game appeared to be headed toward a tie until Denver’s Montrell Washington muffed JK Scott’s punt at the Broncos 32-yard line. It was recovered by Deane Leonard at the Denver 28-yard line.
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Washington called for a fair catch, but Denver safety P.J. Locke didn’t hear Washington and tried to block Ja’Sir Taylor when Locke bumped into Washington.
Justin Herbert, who completed 37 of 57 for 238 yards and an interception, passed to Mike Williams for 9 yards to get Hopkins closer.
