Foster Moreau’s inspiring journey is one for the books. Overcoming a cancer diagnosis in March and returning to play for the New Orleans Saints this season was an incredible feat in itself. The opportunity to score a touchdown in the final minute on Thursday, with the Saints trailing by seven points, would have added an unimaginable twist to his story.
However, not all stories have a picture-perfect ending.
It was impossible not to feel for Moreau on Thursday. The beautifully executed touchdown pass from Derek Carr slipped through his hands in the end zone. This heartbreaking drop occurred on a crucial third down. On fourth down, Carr’s pass was swatted away, sealing a 31-24 victory for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Amazon Prime Video broadcast captured Moreau, sitting on the Saints’ bench in the final seconds, his head buried in his hands, while teammates tried to console him.
The Saints made plenty of mistakes throughout the game, particularly in the first half. However, witnessing Moreau’s anguish on the sideline as the game drew to a close was not surprising.
“It’s tough,” expressed Moreau via Katherine Terrell of ESPN. “In front of everyone I’ve ever known, it’s a dark place to be. It’s the National Football League. It’s not just about one play, but ultimately, it does come down to that one play.”
Moreau’s story is undeniably one of the most inspiring in the NFL. In March, he received a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma during a physical while visiting the Saints as a free agent. However, in July, he happily announced that he was in full remission. In Week 5, he achieved his first touchdown with the Saints, a remarkable milestone in his remarkable comeback. Being a New Orleans native and having attended LSU, his journey had truly come full circle.
Moreau’s path to a comeback remains extraordinary. His adversity extends far beyond a dropped pass in a single game.
