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          Redskins' Vernon Davis hurdles way to 48-yard TD on emotional day

          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterSep 8, 2019, 05:32 PM
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              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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          PHILADELPHIA -- Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis has now scored 63 touchdowns in his NFL career, and it's safe to say few might have been more entertaining than the one he scored on Sunday.

          On a third-and-2 from the Eagles' 48-yard line, Davis motioned into the backfield as if he was going to block for Redskins running back Derrius Guice on a run. At the snap, Davis went at a defender as if to block, then headed to the flat. After the catch, he took off down the sideline where he hurdled corner Ronald Darby. The play appeared to be over, except that no one tackled Davis.

          He sped down the field for the final 40 yards and the first touchdown of the season. Davis was slowed after the play and lingered at the back of the end zone.

          Following the play, Davis became rather emotional when walking off the field. The Redskins radio crew announced that Davis's grandfather, Lynwood Smith, died on Saturday. Davis was raised by his grandparents. In an Instagram post, Davis wrote "my first 18 years you showed me how to be a man. Thank you for everything. Rest well. Love you."

          "Yeah I was just grateful when I scored that tou chdown. I was grateful to contribute to the team. A lot of people asked me if I was going to be able to play today. Of course I'll be able to play. They probably didn't think I'd come out and be effective for the team as well, but it worked out," Davis said.

          Davis said his tears began to fall once he got into the end zone.

          "Just that feeling of being able to be successful, meaning contribute to the team. Not individual success, but success as a team. That whole play was everybody ... but that play is going to have to be irrelevant to me because of what went on today."

          The Redskins blew a 17-point lead and dropped their first game of the 2019 season, 32-27.