Gutsy play: Packers QB Malik Willis declines to pass after teammate vomits on ball

Malik Willis decided to decline a passing play after he found the ball slick with an unexpected substance during the Green Bay Packers’ win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The quarterback was snapped the ball on third and 10 on what appeared to be a passing play. But he instead elected to take the ball and run.

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the play after the game and came up with a good excuse on Willis’s behalf.

“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down and he told me that [Packers center] Josh [Myers] threw up on the ball. I was like: ‘That’s the first time I’ve heard that,’” said LaFleur. “Matter of fact, the official came over to me and said: ‘You know, we saw your center throwing up on the ball. Do you want us to take him out next time?’ I said: ‘Absolutely, please do that.’ Because you’re talking about a critical situation. And it’s third down and I’ve never had a throw with vomit on the football, so I don’t know … Malik probably didn’t appreciate that.”

Willis was not wearing gloves during Sunday’s game.

Myers appeared to vomit just to the side of the ball. It didn’t appear to affect him much as he stayed in the game, helping anchor an offensive line that gave up zero sacks as the Green Bay rushing attack put up 261 yards on the ground.

“I’ve got to do my job,” Myers said after the game, adding that he had also thrown up in the Packers’ opening game of the season. “Unfortunately, no one cares if I’m throwing up, if I give up a sack, you know? So I’ve got to block them. ... It’s pretty much the only thing going through my mind.”

Sunday’s game was played in 85F (29C) heat, and Myers said he may have taken in too much liquid. “I’m wondering if I was like overhydrated, like if I was just waterlogged or something,” Myers said.

The Packers went on to beat the Colts 16-10 for their first win of the season.