Matt Hasselbeck was somewhat of a late bloomer. He was the 187th overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. The Boston Eagles prospect didn’t manage to unseat Brett Favre in his 3 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He served as backup to the Super Bowl XXXI winner and passed for a measly 145 yards in 32 games for the Packers.

A trade deal saw him move to Seattle and after 2 seasons he established himself as the first choice. In 2003 he continued to impress, made his first Pro-Bowl, and managed to secure his side a wild card berth against none other than the Green Bay Packers. This game though will always be remembered for a boastful display of overconfidence by Matt Hasselbeck. 

Matt Hasselbeck eats his words in overtime against Green Bay Packers

The game headed into overtime with both teams locked on 27 points apiece. The Wisconsin side was unlucky to miss out on a regulation-time victory. 

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Trending

Despite Trading Zach Wilson, Sean Payton Rumored to “Throw Away” Broncos’ 2024 to Secure Shedeur Sanders as Russell Wilson’s Replacement

April 23, 2024 05:14 AM EDT

Robert Griffin III Warns Washington Commanders Against Jeopardizing Jayden Daniels as Dan Quinn Eyes “Elite Competitor”

April 23, 2024 05:49 AM EDT

“Caitlin Clark Should Be…”: Antonio Brown Makes a Shocking Confession After Continuously Insulting WNBA Sensation

April 22, 2024 09:11 PM EDT

“[Joe] Burrow Should Concentrate on Being Healthy”: NFL Analyst Warns Bengals QB Against Trash-Talking Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs

April 22, 2024 09:58 PM EDT

Travis Kelce’s Mom Donna Joins $400M Rich Businesswoman for ‘Over 50 & Fabulous’ Venture

April 24, 2024 12:56 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Here at the toss, Hasselbeck said, “I’d like to call heads.” As the Seahawks won the toss, John Randle and Alex Bannister along with the quarterback celebrated as the latter declared his side’s intentions too.

He said, “we want the ball and we’re going to score.” The official too looked bemused by Hasselbeck’s bold declaration. The pumped-up quarterback sprinted off to join his team. 

As overtime progressed both sides remained locked on 27 points apiece. However, on 3rd and 11 with 10:42 on the clock, Hasselbeck attempted to find his left wide receiver. But a poor throw got intercepted by Packers cornerback Al Harris. He proceeded down the field desperately pursued by the Seahawks offense and registered a game-clinching 48-yard pick-6. 

The raucous fans at Lambeau Field were ecstatic as the decibel levels soared following the play which put ‘The Green and Gold’ into the driver’s seat. They never looked back and shut out the Seahawks in overtime to advance to the NFC Playoffs. 

Fans often wonder if Hasselbeck would change that moment where he humiliated himself before the United States. As per an NFL news piece he says, “I know it sounds crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I really wouldn’t.”

Hasselbeck seems to have accepted that he made the declaration and it backfired. But him not wanting to change a thing shows us that he wasn’t just playing around on the 4th of January, 2004.

WATCH: The Pick 6 Machine of Green Bay Packers Charles Woodson