A walk-on wide receiver from Florida State made history this past Saturday on Senior Day at Doak Campbell Stadium.
There were actually two watershed moments for Seminoles WR Justin Motlow. After four years of grinding, he made the first touchdown catch of his career in the fourth quarter. And the former Tampa Catholic standout also became the first member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida to play for Florida State.
Motlow’s combination of perseverance, that was finally rewarded with a touchdown grab, and becoming a part of FSU football history earns him the Uplifting Athletes Rare Performance of the Week.
The 12-yard crisp flag route Motlow ran was something he will never forget. As he came out of his break the ball from quarterback JJ Cosentino was in the air.
“When I came out of my break, time just stood still,” Motlow said. “I saw the ball in the air and I just knew this was my big opportunity and I knew I wasn’t going to drop it for anything. Made the play and that was the most excited I’ve ever been.”
In the midst of a blowout victory over Delaware State, the Seminoles bench exploded when Motlow scored – not because FSU had added to its point total but because of who scored.
“Motlow is one of the guys, he’s always happy,” FSU cornerback Tarvarus McFadden said. “You’ll never catch Motlow down. So when you see Motlow make a play like that and everybody know what Motlow is capable of, it just means a lot to the team.”
The touchdown catch was something Motlow said he will never forget. But he also understands the historical significance of his first appearance for FSU.
“That is just the most amazing honor you could ever feel,” Motlow said. “I am so proud to represent my tribe. The first member to score a touchdown, let alone just play, it’s an exhilarating feeling. It makes me so happy.”
Previous Uplifting Athletes
Rare Performance of the Week Winners
Week 1: RB Josh Adams, Notre Dame
Week 2: QB Ryan Finley, NC State
Week 3: QB Trace McSorley, Penn State
Week 4: RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
Week 5: WR Ervin Philips, Syracuse
Week 6: QB Chad Kanoff, Princeton
Week 7: QB Eric Dungey, Syracuse
Week 8: WR Jesper Horsted, Princeton
Week 9: QB Clayton Thorson, Northwestern
Week 10: QB Will Fischer-Colbrie, Penn
Week 11: QB Zack Mahoney, Syracuse
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