JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former Kentucky Wesleyan standout Keelan Cole set social media ablaze in Week 2 of the NFL schedule for the Jacksonville Jaguars, hauling in seven catches for 116 yards against the New England Patriots.
Cole is in the second year of his professional career after making the Jaguars’ opening day roster as an undrafted free agent.
The story of his meteoric rise and ascent to stardom as a Division II prospect was penned another exciting chapter with his third career 100-yard game on Sunday.
Cole made a splash as a rookie in the preseason of 2017 and carried it over to the regular season with 748 yards of receiving, three touchdowns and 42 receptions. He helped the Jaguars into the playoffs and ultimately, the AFC Championship game against New England.
But on Sunday, his 22-yard catch down the sideline in the first quarter from quarterback Black Bortles made headlines and all the highlight reels, already being labeled the catch of the year and the catch heard round the world.
Cole plucked the ball out of midair with his right arm fully extended while spinning away from Patriots’ defensive back Eric Rowe in single-man coverage. He kept both feet in bounds, maintained control and seemingly palmed the ball while coming down to the ground as he completed his motion.
CBS color announcer Adam Archuleta and the viewers were in disbelief about what they saw and the slow-motion replays made Cole’s acrobatics look that much better as the clip instantly went viral online.
Cole capped the drive with 24-yard touchdown catch to give Jacksonville a 14-0 lead at the time.
He was the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year in 2016 as a senior while earning various All-American accreditation from multiple media outlets.
Cole was one of two Great Midwest institutions represented on NFL Opening Day rosters this year. Jared Veldheer (Denver) and Andre Holmes (Buffalo) both starred at Hillsdale prior to joining the Great Midwest.
Cole's first NFL football trading cards were produced by Panini and his first rookie card autograph was included with the brand's 2017 Contenders release.