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As record lows are sweeping the nation, and people are literally forced to stay inside their homes to prevent frostbite in the face of wind chills up to -60 degrees fahrenheit, it’s a good day to reminisce about some of the best plays in Detroit Lions history.
And in keeping with the cold tradition, let’s go with a different definition of the word. Perhaps my favorite definition of cold is disrespectful, as in, “You’re selling thousands of dollars of meaningless stock to your fanbase? That’s cold.”
So today’s Question of the Day is:
What is the “coldest” play in Lions history?
My answer: Perhaps the coldest move in football is the stiff arm. It’s as close to a legal slap as the NFL offers, and it’s one of the few ways an offensive player can physically dominate a defensive player. Another key to a “cold” play is stunting on the opponent. There has to be at least some sort of taunt and/or celebration for a play to be truly cold.
I think you probably already know where I’m going with this, because on November 6, 2016, Golden Tate had the most disrespectful play in Lions history.
— lifelong la rams fan (@MansurShaheen) October 30, 2018
The Buttflip is “cold” on so many levels. First, there’s the stopping on a dime that sends a Vikings defensive back missiling into nothing. Then there is the stiff arm that sends All Pro Harrison Smith into the turf, the completely unnecessary flip that has Andrew Sendejo sniffing Tate’s backside, and the celebration in front of an opponent’s crowd after a game-winning touchdown.
This is the coldest play in Lions history and it’s right up there with some of the best ones around the NFL.
Miss you, Golden.
Your turn.