Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas etched his name in NFL history during Week 1 of the 2024 season, becoming the first player to score a touchdown under the league’s revised kickoff rules. The milestone moment came during a hard-fought matchup against the Buffalo Bills, yet for Dallas, much of the play remains a blur.
In a recent Flight Plan episode on YouTube, Dallas opened up about the surreal experience:
“I don’t even remember half of it,” he admitted. “I just remember being on the sideline and saying a lot of swear words. I see the video and think, ‘Dang, that’s what’s up!’ but honestly, it’s all a blip to me.”
The NFL’s updated kickoff rules, requiring the ball to be kicked inside the 20-yard line with players stationary until the ball touches the ground or a player, added a layer of complexity to special teams. Dallas described the heart-pounding anticipation every time he takes the field under the new system:
“Every time I go out there, my heart is beating fast as hell,” he said. “I just remember a flash of blue, made a cut, and after that, it’s all a blur.”
Though the Cardinals ultimately lost that game, they demonstrated resilience against a Super Bowl-caliber opponent. Now, with a 6-4 record and control of the NFC West, Arizona has found its rhythm, and Dallas has emerged as a critical piece in their success.
Formerly a special teams standout for the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas has proven his value to the Cardinals, providing not just versatility but also a historic moment that underscores his impact.
As the league continues to evolve, Dallas’s unforgettable kickoff touchdown will remain a shining example of how players adapt and thrive under new challenges. Could this be the start of a storied legacy for the Cardinals’ rising star?
