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Joe Milton takes over for Drake Maye, hits backflip after first NFL touchdown

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•01/05/25•

BarkleyTruax

Milton Patriots
© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Joe Milton replaced New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye during the first quarter of Week 18’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Maye was subbed out after the first drive of the day.

Milton, who played his college football at Tennessee, has not logged any stats for the Patriots this season and will get his first look during this final matchup of the season for New England. It didn’t take him long to score the first touchdown of his career, either.

His first drive saw him for 6 for 6 passing for 51 yards. However, he showed off his athleticism by rushing in the first touchdown of his career from one yard out. He hit a backflip in the end zone to celebrate, which you can watch below:

The Bills are also sitting quarterback Josh Allen for the week, although he did play the first snap of the game to keep his 115-game streak of starting games alive. Mitch Trubisky will play the rest of the game for Buffalo.

For Maye, he was subbed out after a three-and-out for New England. It was reported earlier in the week that Milton was working with the Patriots’ first team at practice, likely in preparation for playing during the final week of the season.

Before the matchup, Milton talked to reporters and opened up about the possibility of him playing during the final week of the season.

“Excited but also very humble,” Milton said. “Just because it’s Week 18, and I’ve been waiting 17 weeks to finally get an opportunity. So, if the opportunity presents itself, make sure that I’m ready but also just another chance to go out there and step on the grass.

“Not too many people get this opportunity, and a lot of people back at home, they’re wishing. I know they have smiles on their faces even when they sleep hearing about this or seeing it on social media that I may have an opportunity. Just having these reps and having this opportunity means a lot.”

Milton was a sixth-round selection by the Patriots during the 2024 NFL Draft. He took over the starting job in Knoxville in 2023 and during his time at Tennessee, threw for 2,769 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions across 12 games that season.