Tim Patrick, the former wide receiver for the University of Utah, made a triumphant return to the end zone during Thursday Night Football in Week 14, scoring his first touchdown as a member of the Detroit Lions against the Green Bay Packers. This momentous occasion marks Patrick’s first receiving touchdown in nearly three years, having missed the entirety of the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons due to serious lower body injuries.
After departing from the Denver Broncos prior to the 2024 season, Patrick found himself welcomed by the Detroit Lions, who were eager to leverage his experience despite a youth-driven roster in Denver. Although he has not yet recaptured his peak performance levels, Patrick has contributed significantly to the Lions, totaling 21 receptions for 306 yards over the course of 11 games.
The long-awaited touchdown came in the third quarter against the Packers, ending a standout drought that dated back to December 19, 2021, when he last scored against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the game against Green Bay, he recorded three receptions for 13 yards through the first three quarters of play.
A native of San Diego, California, Tim Patrick started his football journey at University City High School before playing at Grossmont Community College, where he earned first-team all-PCAC honors. He then joined the University of Utah and made a significant impact during his collegiate career, notching 61 receptions for 888 yards and five touchdowns across 22 games, despite missing a notable amount of time due to injuries.
Patrick initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2017, later spending time with the San Francisco 49ers before truly finding his stride with the Broncos. From 2018 onward, he became a reliable receiver, amassing 143 catches for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns, which culminated in a multi-year contract extension in 2021. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his career—he suffered a knee injury during training camp in 2022 and tore his Achilles in 2023, resulting in back-to-back season-long absences.
Reflecting on Patrick’s journey, it’s inspiring to see him back on the field and making pivotal plays despite the adversities he has faced. His resilience and determination are commendable, and this touchdown could signal a comeback story that fans and players alike will hope to see continue throughout the latter part of the season.
The ongoing coverage of NFL players with Utah ties gives local fans exciting insights into their performances, and Patrick’s journey is a testament to the potential for perseverance and success in professional football.