Teammates celebrate KhaDarel Hodge's path to game-winning play

Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge's hard work came to fruition Thursday with two clutch catches, including the game-winner against the Buccaneers.

Oct 04, 2024 at 02:14 AM

Terrin Waack

Falcons Digital Team Reporter

ATLANTA — KhaDarel Hodge tried to fight the tears, and it was no use.

From scoring the game-winning touchdown and being carried by his teammates to answering postgame questions on prime-time television, the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver rode the emotional rollercoaster that followed his team's overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a smile on his face and moisture in his eyes.

"Man," Hodge said. "I've worked hard. The people closest to me know what I've been through and the opportunities I've prayed for. The guys in the locker room, as well. If you ask them, they'll say it's well-deserved because I put in so much work. I know, at times, the opportunities are limited. But it came. And I took full advantage of it."

On the first series of overtime, Hodge caught what was about a 10-yard pass from Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, dodged Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum and sprinted through a gap between wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III and safety Kaevon Merriweather. Three defenders attempted to chase Hodge down but could not catch him. The play went down in the books as a 45-yard walk-off touchdown reception — the Falcons' longest offensive score so far this season.

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According to Next Gen Stats, Hodge reached a top speed of 19.7 mph, his second-fastest speed as a ball carrier in 2024.

"Yeah, he's still slow," Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney said. "I don't care. That was so slow, so slow. I'm like, 'Yo, do not get caught.'"

Mooney is surely kidding and had nothing but high praise for his teammate.

"He's just a guy that you know you can trust all the time," Mooney said. "When I first got here, he was the first guy I noticed like if we need a play, 12 is a person that I can trust to make a play."

Mooney was on the field with Hodge at the time of the touchdown. Wide receiver Drake London was not.

Hodge entered the game because London was sidelined with an injury from the play prior. London was ready to go back out there, except he wasn't needed. He knew that as soon as Hodge evaded that first tackle attempt and skirted through the second wave of defenders.

"Once I'd seen him with them high knees going, I was hands up in the air screaming," London said.

Much like Mooney, London believes Hodge has earned the spotlight.

"He just grinds, man," London said. "He doesn't complain. He's just a true team player. When you do everything right, you're going to be rewarded for it."

Hodge had just two receptions against the Buccaneers, but they totaled 67 yards. There was the overtime touchdown. There was also a 22-yarder in the second quarter that was rather impressive, too.

London, meanwhile, had 12 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Mooney had nine receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

It was Hodge, though, who was most celebrated.

"I am really excited about who he is and what he's made of and what he's about," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's made of everything that our cloth is here in Atlanta. He's about our community. He's about people first. He's about supporting others. He's all that. He's everything we're about."

There's a reason the Falcons re-signed Hodge in the offseason. He's one of two receivers back from 2023. The other is London, who is signed through 2025 on his rookie contract.

Hodge first joined the Falcons in 2022 after four seasons with three different organizations. He was an undrafted free agent in 2018 out of Prairie View A&M, where he spent three seasons after one at Hinds Community College. He's originally from D'Lo, Mississippi, which has a population of 362.

"I'm living the dream that I've always wanted to do, so I'm grateful for that," Hodge said. "I'm on the active roster. I'm playing. No matter how many opportunities I get, I'm getting paid for playing a kid's game. Regardless of the circumstances, I always just sit back and realize where I came from and where I am now, and that's what keeps me going."

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 walks out from the locker room before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons huddle before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 hypes up the team during warm ups before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons huddle before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Coin Toss before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 runs onto the field before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 runs onto the field before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 runs onto the field before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during the National Anthem before the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 looks to pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches a pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 reacts after a first down during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 celebrate scoring a touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 catches a pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 breaks up a pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 reacts after breaking up a pass during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 runs with the ball during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 throws the ball during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a point after try during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after a catch during the first quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 reacts after a first down during the second quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22 reacts during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks a field goal during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 sacks Baker Mayfield during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman David Onyemata #90 sacks the quarterback during the third quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after a catch during the third quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 celebrates with wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 kicks off during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Fan in the Dirty Birds Nest during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 runs for the game-winning touchdown in overtime during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 runs after catching a pass in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 reacts during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 reacts after forcing a fumble during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 reacts after a first down catch during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)

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Fans react after a field goal to send it to overtime during the fourth quarter of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game-winning touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 runs for the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates after the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 reacts after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates scoring the game-winning touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 reacts after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 after the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrates scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)

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Teammates celebrate KhaDarel Hodge's path to game-winning play

Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge's hard work came to fruition Thursday with two clutch catches, including the game-winner against the Buccaneers.

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