NE Atlanta News

KhaDarel Hodge, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was overwhelmed with emotion after scoring the game-winning touchdown in an overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hodge's performance was celebrated by his teammates and coach Raheem Morris.

Reflecting on his journey, Hodge said, "I've worked hard. The people closest to me know what I've been through and the opportunities I've prayed for." He credited his teammates for their support and acknowledged the limited opportunities he had before making the decisive play.

During overtime, Hodge caught a 10-yard pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins and managed to evade several defenders, resulting in a 45-yard touchdown. This marked the Falcons' longest offensive score of the season. According to Next Gen Stats, Hodge reached a top speed of 19.7 mph during this play.

Fellow wide receiver Darnell Mooney jokingly remarked on Hodge's speed but praised him as a reliable player: "He's just a guy that you know you can trust all the time." Drake London, another teammate who was sidelined due to injury during Hodge's touchdown, also commended him: "He just grinds, man... When you do everything right, you're going to be rewarded for it."

Hodge's contributions included two receptions totaling 67 yards against the Buccaneers. Despite having fewer receptions than London and Mooney in this game, Hodge received significant recognition for his pivotal role.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed admiration for Hodge: "I am really excited about who he is and what he's made of... He's about our community." The Falcons re-signed Hodge in the offseason; he first joined them in 2022 after playing with three other teams since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Originally from D'Lo, Mississippi, with a population of just 362 people, Hodge reflected on his journey: "I'm living the dream that I've always wanted to do... I always just sit back and realize where I came from and where I am now."