New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett injured his ankle on the final play of the team’s first offensive possession. After staying down for a minute or two, he hopped up and ran to the sideline, even though his ankle was sore.
When discussing the injury with reporters after the game, Bennett offered up a spectacular explanation for his dash to the sideline.
Martellus Bennett on why he ran off the field after his early injury: "I just thought, 'What would Luke Cage do?'"
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) October 9, 2016
Perhaps it was just mind over matter that got him through the pain. Or perhaps New England’s training staff had an acid bath waiting on the sideline to give Bennett some Luke Cage-type effects.
Whatever it was that Bennett used, it worked like a charm.
Though the Patriots listed him as questionable to return, Bennett was back on the field for the next drive. He ended up catching Tom Brady’s first touchdown of 2016 on that very same drive (watch here).
The tight end would finish with six receptions for 67. He also accounted for all three of the touchdowns Brady threw against the Cleveland Browns in the team’s dominant 33-13 road win.