“I thought Isiah played a great football game. I was proud of him and a lot of other guys too,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters, encapsulating the bittersweet sentiment of Isaiah Likely‘s performance in the 2024 NFL season opener. In a twist of fate that could make even the most seasoned scriptwriter blush, Likely’s breakout game against the Chiefs turned into a rollercoaster of emotions faster than you can say “touchdown.”

Adding drama to an already tense situation, Likely had taken a nasty tumble earlier in the game. As reported by @NFLonFOX, “Isaiah Likely is down getting checked by trainers after coming down hard after an attempted catch.” The collective heart of Baltimore skipped a beat as he lay on the turf, checked by trainers with the intensity of a CSI team at a crime scene. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Likely dusted himself off and returned to the fray.

Likely’s night was a highlight reel in the making until it wasn’t. The young tight end snagged 9 passes for a whopping 111 yards and a touchdown, leaving Chiefs defenders in his wake like they were stuck in quicksand. But as the clock ticked down and the Ravens were poised for a potential game-tying score, Likely’s toe decided to play the villain in this gridiron drama.

With just four ticks left on the clock, Lamar Jackson unleashed a rocket to Likely in the back of the end zone. The initial roar from the crowd suggested a miracle finish was in the cards. But faster than you can say “instant replay,” the zebras huddled around the monitor, and Ravens fans held their breath. The verdict? Likely’s right toe had wandered out of bounds by a hair’s breadth, turning potential glory into gut-wrenching defeat.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, Likely’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He led the team in targets (12), receptions (9), and receiving yards (111), proving himself to be Jackson’s go-to guy when the chips were down. His 49-yard touchdown scamper had Chiefs defender Jaylen Watson looking like he was trying to catch smoke with his bare hands. It’s the kind of show that has fantasy football managers salivating and defensive coordinators reaching for the Tums.

Isaiah Likely’s journey to Ravens stardom

Likely’s path to NFL stardom is about as unconventional as a quarterback lining up at nose tackle. Hailing from the football hotbed of… Massachusetts (yes, you read that right), Likely took his talents to the sun-soaked beaches of Coastal Carolina. There, he transformed from an unknown freshman into a touchdown-scoring machine.

During his tenure with the Chanticleers, Likely didn’t just play football; he rewrote the record books with the flair of a bestselling author. His senior season was a masterclass in tight end play, racking up 59 catches, 912 yards, and 12 touchdowns. To put that in perspective, he scored more often than some entire teams’ receiving corps. His performance against Arkansas State – 8 catches, 232 yards, and 4 touchdowns – was less a football game and more a one-man highlight reel.

Likely’s college heroics didn’t just pad his stats; they put Coastal Carolina on the map faster than a viral TikTok dance. The Chanticleers went from “Who?” to “Whoa!” during Likely’s tenure, with the team enjoying an undefeated regular season in 2020.

Now, as Likely dons the purple and black of Baltimore, he’s bringing that same game-changing ability to the NFL stage. His performance against the Chiefs wasn’t just a fluke; it was a statement. A declaration that this former Chanticleer is ready to soar with the Ravens, injury scares and all. As Baltimore looks ahead to their next matchup against the Raiders, one thing’s for sure – Isaiah Likely is a name that defensive coordinators will be losing sleep over for years to come.