WATCH: Christian Wilkins pulls out hilarious celebration after first career touchdown
In a 17-17 game in the fourth quarter and the ball on the goal line, the Miami Dolphins called on defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. Wilkins wasn’t called into his traditional role on the Dolphins’ defensive front, but he instead lined up at fullback.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa evaded the defender on the snap, and flicked a quick pass out to Wilkins, who was running to the left side of the goal line. Wilkins secured the catch as he crossed over into the end zone, giving him the first touchdown of his NFL career.
While big man touchdowns are always impressive and highlight worthy, nothing will live up to Wilkins’ celebration after he gave the Dolphins a fourth quarter lead over the New York Jets. After the first reception of his NFL career, Wilkins dropped down to the ground to do the worm in celebration of his awesome moment.
Wilkins is a force on the Dolphins’ defensive line
In his traditional role on Miami’s defensive front, Wilkins has started all 13 games this season. He has 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, nine quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defended. In his three-year NFL career, Wilkins has totaled 160 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, three fumble recoveries and nine passes defended.
Wilkins is a former On3 Consensus five-star recruit. He played at Clemson from 2015-2018, where he racked up 192 tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 15 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. While at Clemson, Wilkins did end up finding the end zone on multiple occasions. He tallied two rushing touchdowns as a senior in 2018, adding a one-yard touchdown reception in 2016.
His strong season as a senior led to Wilkins being named a Consensus All-American. The Dolphins selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.