Breaking News: Gutsy Play – Packers QB Malik Willis Declines to Pass After Teammate Vomits on Ball
Green Bay, WI – In a bizarre and unforgettable moment during today’s NFL showdown, Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis made headlines for an unexpected decision—refusing to throw the ball after a teammate vomited on it during the third quarter of the game. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, left fans, players, and commentators both shocked and amused.
The Incident: “The Vomit Play”
It all went down during a crucial drive late in the third quarter. The Packers, down by seven points against the Minnesota Vikings, were in a high-pressure situation. Malik Willis, who joined the Packers this season, was in the middle of orchestrating a comeback when center Josh Myers, after taking a heavy hit, appeared visibly shaken. As Myers lined up to snap the ball, he suddenly vomited on the football—an unfortunate accident that led to an unprecedented pause in play.
“At first, we thought something went wrong with the snap, but then we saw the ball… and well, it was pretty clear what happened,” said Packers wide receiver Christian Watson during the post-game press conference, stifling laughter. “No one knew what to do for a second.”
Willis’ Quick Decision
As Myers wiped his mouth and tried to reset for the play, Malik Willis immediately stepped back and signaled for a timeout. While officials huddled to discuss the situation, Willis was seen talking to the coaching staff, clearly hesitant to touch the ball.
“I’m not throwing that thing,” Willis was caught saying on the broadcast’s mic’d up feature. “There’s no way I’m throwing it.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur later addressed the situation, confirming Willis’ stance. “Malik made the right call. It was one of those freak moments, and the last thing we needed was for anyone to get sick from handling that ball. We weren’t going to ask our QB to pass with that thing—it was just unsanitary.”
The Aftermath: A New Ball and New Momentum
Following a brief stoppage, officials brought in a fresh football, and the Packers resumed play. However, the momentum shifted noticeably. While Malik Willis had been leading an impressive drive, the awkward break disrupted the flow of the game, and the Packers ultimately had to settle for a field goal on the drive.
“That moment definitely threw us off,” Willis said after the game. “We were in a rhythm, but something like that just kind of messes with your head. I didn’t want to be the guy handling the ‘vomit ball,’ but hey, it’s part of the game. You never know what’s going to happen out there.”
Reactions: Social Media Buzzes
As expected, fans and analysts immediately took to social media to share their thoughts on the surreal event, with #VomitGate trending worldwide within minutes. Memes, GIFs, and clips of the incident flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram, turning Willis’ decision into an instant viral sensation.
“Malik Willis making moves and smart calls on AND off the field! #VomitGate,” one fan tweeted.
Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Tony Romo jokingly commented during the broadcast, “Hey, you can’t blame Malik. I wouldn’t want to throw that ball either!”
What’s Next for the Packers?
Despite the oddity of the moment, the Packers continued to fight hard throughout the game, though they ultimately fell short in a 27-24 loss to the Vikings. The loss drops Green Bay’s record to 3-4, but the viral incident may overshadow the outcome.
Looking ahead, the Packers will need to shake off both the loss and the bizarre moment as they prepare for next week’s divisional showdown against the Chicago Bears. As for Malik Willis, his quick decision-making—albeit for an unusual reason—shows that he’s not only tough but also willing to make judgment calls when the unexpected happens.
In the words of one commentator, “You can’t teach quick thinking like that. Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts, even if those instincts are telling you not to touch a vomit-covered football.
