ATLANTA – It was a scene straight out of a movie script. KhaDarel Hodge was called from the sidelines during overtime in an incredibly exciting match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and then He got lost in the moment.

Hodge caught a quick pass from Kirk Cousins on a straightforward route, dodged a defender, rushed down the center of the field, and sprinted into the end zone for a 45-yard touchdown, sealing a 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If Hodge hadn’t experienced it himself, he might have found it hard to accept. After all, as the fourth receiver in an offense rich with talent, Hodge seems like a highly unlikely hero.

However, this is the 2024 Falcons, a team that has a talent for making games thrilling till the end. With three wins in their last four nail-biting encounters, the Falcons (3-2) have jumped to the top of the NFC South standings.

To achieve this victory, they had to overcome a disheartening interception by Cousins near the end of the game, score a 52-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo as time ran out in regulation, win the overtime coin toss, and let their backup receiver finish the job.

It feels fitting that Hodge – who is in his seventh season and has played for four teams since joining the league as an undrafted free agent from Prairie View A&M, an HBCU – was the standout performer being celebrated by his teammates afterward.

“I can’t believe this is real,” Hodge said, basking in the jubilant atmosphere of the locker room later on. “It genuinely feels like a scene from a movie. I stepped in for just one play and then scored? Me? I’m at a loss for words. When I reached the end zone, I kind of lost focus, and then I saw my teammates coming toward me.”

To celebrate him. Like a hero.

Once again.

Just four days earlier, Hodge found himself in a similar celebratory situation after diving into a heap and recovering a mishandled punt for a touchdown that proved pivotal in a win against the New Orleans Saints, where the Falcons offense did not score a single touchdown.

On a night when Cousins set a franchise record with 509 passing yards – ironically with former star Matt Ryan in attendance for his induction into the team’s Ring of Honor at halftime – Hodge made an unforgettable impact.

When asked how this moment stacked up against his best NFL experiences, Hodge seemed taken aback. Given that he’s only started seven games in his career, he humbly admitted that nothing could compare to what happened on Thursday night.

He then added an interesting detail.

“This is the first time I’ve actually scored two touchdowns in a season,” he shared.

It’s easy to admire the commitment of players like Hodge, especially considering the path he has taken. He started as a quarterback in high school at Mendenhall, Mississippi, went on to play at Alcorn State and Hinds Community College before spending three years at Prairie View. After starting his career with the Los Angeles Rams, he had brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before joining the Falcons in 2022.

He understands that the odds were against him becoming a major success. However, he continues to play in the league. Although his offensive snaps are limited, he has established himself as an exceptional special teams player.

“It’s significant coming from an HBCU,” he remarked. “Each year, you’re battling for a spot on the roster as a fourth or fifth receiver. You have to adopt the mindset that you need to grind and capitalize on every chance, whether on special teams or the offensive side. You must have that determination not to give up.”

Don’t give up. That attitude represents both Hodge and his teammates but also embodies the game-winning moment. Hodge insists that even for someone with limited chances to possess the ball, he always dreams of getting a pass and taking it to the house.

On that game-changing play, Hodge racked up 41 yards after the catch after outpacing Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum, who had miscalculated his coverage.

“I might have a bit of speed,” Hodge laughed. “My teammates were teasing, saying I nearly got caught. I’ll need to review the film.”

In another area of the locker room, Hodge’s teammate Darnell Mooney lightheartedly continued the playful banter.

“He was running super slowly,” Mooney joked. “But I’m so proud of the guy.”

Hodge can replay that wonderful moment as often as he wants. It will continue to feel just as gratifying, a real-life tale with a perfect ending.