Trent McDuffie helped the Kansas City Chiefs keep the San Francisco 49ers’ outstanding passing attack at bay early in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII by swatting a well-thrown ball intended for star wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
The amazing play prevented a 49ers touchdown and forced San Francisco to kick a field goal that limited Kansas City’s first-half deficit to three points.
Take a look at McDuffie’s incredible breakup here, and notice the body control required to defend the ball without interfering with Samuel in the air:
Game of inches. Denied by @trent_mcduffie!
📺: #SBLVIII on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/dClcEDViWl pic.twitter.com/1D49jXu1ND— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
Fans across America reacted to the unbelievable play on Twitter in real time, crediting McDuffie for his marvelous effort. In a game where the Chiefs have struggled to find their footing on offense, moments like this may prove to be the difference between a win and a loss for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Check out some of Twitter’s top reactions to the play below: