Steelers Now
DK Metcalf’s 80-yard touchdown reception from Aaron Rodgers was the longest touchdown from scrimmage in NFL International history. The score gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a 14-3 edge over the Minnesota Vikings with 12:16 remaining in the second quarter of the teams’ clash in Dublin.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Parker Washington returned a punt 97 yards for a score last season in London.
Rodgers hit Metcalf on a post, fitting the pass between Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson and safety Harrison Smith. Metcalf wheeled the rest of the way with the help of a block from Calvin Austin III. Metcalf had four receptions for 122 yards through the Steelers’ initial three possessions.
Metcalf entered the day with two touchdown receptions in black and gold, both being red zone jump balls. He expressed a certain level of focus ahead of the Steelers’ game overseas.
“I’m not here to explore. I’m here for the football game,” Metcalf said. “It’ll be interesting to see it on the flight out and when we go in the bus to the game, but I’m here to play a football game.”
The Steelers acquired Metcalf via trade on the eve of free agency in March. He’d only had 135 receiving yards through the first three weeks of the season, but the long score gave fans a glimpse of what he’s capable of adding to the offense besides leaping for 50/50 balls.
Rogers, meanwhile, had gone 9 for 9 for 145 yards and the air strike to Metcalf during the Steelers’ first three drives.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: DK Metcalf Makes NFL International History With Long Touchdown Grab
