New York Giants rookie linebacker Tae Crowder, who has been called upon to play more snaps in recent weeks, had the game of a lifetime on Sunday against the Washington Football Team.
Crowder recorded 10 tackles (six solo), which was good for second on the team, as well as a fumble recovery and game-winning touchdown.
“I have to say big ups to my teammate Kyler Fackrell for making a big play, a strip-sack on the quarterback and I was in the right place at the right time. Just trying to make a play for my team,” Crowder said humbly after the game, also crediting fellow rookie linebacker Cam Brown with a good block on the play.
As the very last pick (No. 255) in the 2020 NFL Draft, Crowder earned the popular NFL moniker, “Mr. Irrelevant,” which is annually bestowed upon the final draft pick.
From moment one, Crowder has embraced all that comes with the “Mr. Irrelevant” label, but his teammates scoff at the name.
“It’s funny that you call him ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ because he’s been doing a lot for us,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams told reporters. “I think since he came in, he’s been the quiet guy just working hard and he slowly has worked his way up to playing with the defense.
“He’s built his trust up with his teammates and he went out there and made a huge play today, and it was possibly the deciding factor of the game. That late in the game when it was that tight, we needed a huge play and the defense delivered. It was huge for him to not just dive on that ball and be okay with that, he picked it up and made a big play and we needed it.”
Crowder has no issues with the nickname, however. In fact, it has only served to motivate him.
“I took it as motivation. I love the name, I just wanted to get here, get to work with my team. One of my goals for this year was to help the team in any way I can. I thank God for coming to work each day and going to work with my team,” Crowder said.
Crowder may have to find his motivation elsewhere now — something that shouldn’t be a problem — because he’s “Mr. Irrelevant” no more.
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