Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers

In a season filled with highlight-reel plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, few moments have resonated as deeply as Scott Matlock’s first career NFL touchdown catch—a 1-yard reception in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders that not only gave the Chargers a critical lead but also showcased the versatility and heart of a player primarily known for his work on the defensive line. Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers isn’t just a single play; it’s a story of preparation, opportunity, and the unexpected contributions that define team success in the NFL. For Matlock, a second-year defensive tackle, the moment was a culmination of months of extra work—and for the Chargers, it was a reminder that wins often come from the most unlikely sources.

Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers unfolded in the third quarter of a back-and-forth divisional matchup, with the Chargers trailing the Raiders 14-10 and facing a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Quarterback Justin Herbert had already tried two rushing plays with running back Austin Ekeler, both stopped short by the Raiders’ defensive line. With the crowd at SoFi Stadium roaring, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley called a trick play: “Goal Line Package 34,” which shifted Matlock from his usual defensive tackle position to a tight end spot on the right side of the line. As the ball was snapped, Matlock lined up next to offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III, then slipped past Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane into the end zone. Herbert, under pressure from Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, spotted Matlock open and fired a quick pass to him—Matlock secured the catch with both hands, falling to the turf as the stadium erupted. “I couldn’t believe it at first,” Matlock later said. “I’ve practiced that play maybe 10 times in practice, but never thought it would actually be called in a game. Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers was a dream come true.”

Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers was the result of Matlock’s willingness to go above and beyond his defensive duties. Since joining the Chargers as a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Matlock had volunteered to participate in offensive goal-line drills during practice, hoping to add value as a “short-yardage target.” His hard work caught the eye of Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who began designing plays specifically for him. “Scott is the kind of player who does whatever the team needs,” Moore said. “He doesn’t care if he’s on defense, offense, or special teams—he just wants to help us win. We noticed how well he caught the ball in practice, so we started working on those goal-line plays, and when the moment came, he delivered.” Matlock’s preparation extended beyond practice: he studied film of NFL tight ends to improve his route-running and worked with wide receivers coach Chris Beatty on his hands. “I wanted to make sure if the play was called, I didn’t let the team down,” Matlock said. “Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers wasn’t luck—it was months of practice paying off.”

Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers became a unifying moment for the Los Angeles Chargers’ locker room, with teammates swarming Matlock in the end zone and celebrating with him on the sidelines. Herbert, who had pushed for the play to be called, praised Matlock’s focus and execution. “Scott is a guy who works his tail off every day, so to see him get that moment was awesome,” Herbert said. “He was calm, he ran the route perfectly, and he caught the ball like he’d been doing it his whole life. The Los Angeles Chargers thrive when guys step up in unexpected roles, and Scott did that today.” Defensive teammates, including edge rusher Khalil Mack, joked that Matlock “might be switching to offense full-time,” but also emphasized how the play reflected the team’s culture. “That’s what we’re about—everyone contributing, no matter your position,” Mack said. “Scott’s touchdown wasn’t just for him; it was for the entire team. The Los Angeles Chargers needed that spark, and he gave it to us.” Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a testament to the team’s camaraderie.

Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers quickly became a viral sensation, with highlights of the play shared across social media platforms and featured on national sports shows. Chargers fans embraced the moment, creating memes of Matlock’s celebration (he pumped his fists and yelled toward the stands) and using hashtags like #MatlockMagic and #DefenseToTouchdown. Local businesses in San Diego and Los Angeles even honored the play: a downtown San Diego sports bar offered free appetizers to anyone wearing a Matlock jersey, while a Los Angeles pizza shop named a specialty pie “The Matlock Touchdown” (topped with pepperoni and sausage, Matlock’s favorite). “That play was everything fans love about football—underdog, unexpected, and full of heart,” said Mike Torres, a season ticket holder since 2019. “Scott isn’t a household name, but he is now. The Los Angeles Chargers have a way of creating these moments that bring fans together, and this one will be remembered for a long time.” Matlock, who grew up in Idaho as a Chargers fan, said the fan reaction meant as much as the touchdown itself. “To see kids wearing my jersey and chanting my name? That’s surreal,” he said. “Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers is something I’ll share with my family forever.”

Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers also carried significant implications for the Chargers’ playoff push, as the 21-14 win over the Raiders kept them in the thick of the AFC wild-card race. The play not only gave the Chargers the lead but also shifted momentum, with the defense holding the Raiders scoreless for the rest of the game. Staley later called the touchdown “a turning point in our season,” noting that it boosted the team’s confidence heading into a tough stretch of games. For Matlock, the play opened new doors: the Chargers have since used him in more offensive packages, including a few short-yardage situations in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos. “Scott proved he can contribute in multiple ways, and that makes us a better team,” Staley said. “The Los Angeles Chargers are always looking for edge, and Scott gave us that edge against the Raiders. I’m excited to see what else he can do.” As the Chargers head into the final weeks of the season, Matlock’s touchdown remains a symbol of their resilience and teamwork. Scott Matlock's Touchdown Catch for the Los Angeles Chargers is a reminder that in the NFL, every player—whether a star quarterback or a backup defensive lineman—has the potential to change the game. And for Matlock, it’s a moment that will define his career for years to come.