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NFL VP of Instant Replay sounds off on Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks' incredible TD catch vs. Lions 

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones9 hours agobrianjones_93

The NFL Vice President of Instant Replay had some interesting things to say about the touchdown catch made by Green Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks in the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. Pool reporter Colton Pouncy spoke to Mark Butterworth after the game and asked him if Wicks’ feet were in bounds when he made the TD catch.

“The ruling on the field was a touchdown,” Butterworth told Pouncy, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. “We saw control with his right foot down and his left down in the end zone, and then a third step out of the end zone.”

Pouncy then asked Butterworth if there was any discussion about a bobble. “No. These receivers are that good, he controls the ball with his hand,” Butterworth stated. “But with his hands or arm above his body, while pulling it down, by rule, he can actually pull that ball into his body as he completes the process of a catch.”

When Dontayvion Wicks made the catch, FOX Sports broadcasters Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady believed it wasn’t a touchdown because they didn’t think he got two feet in the end zone. FOX Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino explained why the ruling of a touchdown was confirmed.

More on Dontayvion Wicks and his 2025 season

“The key is when does Wicks get control of the ball? And to me, if he has control, that first foot is the right foot, then the left foot is the second foot, so that’s what they’re ruling there for a touchdown,” Blandino said, per the New York Post.

Wicks’ TD gave the Packers the 10-0 lead in the second quarter, and they would go on to win 31-24. Wicks had his best game of the season, catching six passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

The Packers selected Wicks in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Heading into the Thanksgiving game, the former Virginia star posted 20 receptions for 213 yards and zero touchdowns in nine games.

“He’s done an outstanding job, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said about Wicks in September, per Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “Not only obviously catching the football, but since he’s been here, he’s been one of best blockers as well, from that position as well. He plays physical. He plays tough, so I’m really excited about how he’s performed up to this point.”