EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Rams flooded the sideline as much as was legally allowed under NFL rules, greeting tight end Tyler Higbee with celebratory pats on the helmet and shoulder pads, plus truck honks in a nod to his "Big Rig" nickname.
More than 11 months after tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus, the Rams tight end hauled in the go-ahead, 11-yard touchdown catch in Los Angeles' - win over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Already knowing his energy levels would be up another notch for this game, Higbee said he felt like he "almost passed out" when he reached the endzone.
"Just very humbling, the love and support I got from these guys and this team and the staff and just everybody," Higbee said. "It was special, very humbling."
It was Higbee's lone catch of the game and marked his 23rd receiving touchdown of his career, tying wide receiver Robert Woods for 14th-most in Rams franchise history.
Higbee also made his presence felt as a run-blocker in the run game as well, helping pave the way for running back Kyren Williams' 122 rushing yards and one touchdown.
"It makes a huge difference," Williams said of having Higbee on the field. "You can feel Higs, and you can be able to know where he's at. And honestly, just having him in the huddle again is great, because he just brings that energy. He brings that energy that people can feed off of and enjoy."
Support from all kinds of family made a world of a difference for Higbee not only on Sunday, but in the months – and even days – leading into the game.
"Im not a big crier, but it is special," Higbee said. "And did get a little emotional, just before the game, my wife put together a montage of just some clips of me being injured and going through some of the rehab process and stuff like that. And that was special. Seeing me with my daughter with a knee brace, not being able to walk very well, like that got pretty emotional. I'm not a crier, but yeah, it's emotional seeing those guys, the love and support, it's very humbling."
Besides the game ball he received for his performance, Higbee said he'll also bring home his game-worn jersey to commemorate just how much this touchdown and game meant to him.
"I thought it was awesome," quarterback Matthew Stafford said. "Was so happy for him. Just happy for him to get out there and play, and then to be able to cap it off with a touchdown, with a great effort at the end to get it in. It was awesome. Great to have him back, and just a tone-setter for us."