“Elated.”
The emotion was a one-word summation by Don Beebe, Aurora University head football coach, earlier this week on his reaction to his son, Chad Beebe’s, touchdown reception for the Minnesota Vikings Sunday with 46 seconds remaining in regulation (see below) that led to a 28-27 victory over the visiting Carolina Panthers in a National Football League (NFL) game.
The important play was more than the Vikings’ receiver’s first NFL touchdown in his third year in professional football, all with the Vikings, and more than heroics that led to victory, the Vikings’ fourth in the last five weeks to tie the Chicago Bears for second placed in the NFC North Division, each 5-6.
“The last three minutes of that game encapsulated his whole life in sports,” said Don Beebe who played nine successful years in the NFL. Don Beebe was Chad Beebe’s head coach in successful years at Aurora Christian High School, then the Chad was a stellar receiver at Northern Illinois University.
“The last 10 years in a row,” Don Beebe said, “Chad has not finished the season uninjured going back to his sophomore season (on the varsity) in high school. We want this year to be the first.
“Earlier in the game (Sunday), Chad received a punt, without calling for a fair catch and was really smoked (by the defender’s tackle). He never played with any fear. Then near the end of the game he muffed a punt (and Carolina recovered).
“He nearly always calls me after his game on his way home. He told me he really felt he let the team down (with the muffed punt) and he had to find a way make up for it. When you make that kind of mistake you can start to doubt yourself.
“I am just proud he has not given up. God has taken him through setback after setback.”
On the final winning drive Chad made three of his seven receptions from quarterback Kirk Cousins, tied for team high in the game. He more than redeemed himself with the touchdown reception and 63 yards.
“Learning moves has helped,” coach and father said. “He gave the defender a little nod and froze the guy momentarily, just enough to be open. He has learned his craft. He gets to play behind Adam Thielen, one of the best route-runners in the NFL and they are close (as teammates and friends).
“(Chad, with 4.51 time in 40 yards) has learned to take care of himself every day, mentally, physically, spiritually. It is more than showing up Sunday.”
Don Beebe, a three-sport star at Kaneland High School, played nine seasons in the NFL (with a reputation for a stunning 4.21 time in the 40) and on six teams which went to Super Bowls. He played for Buffalo, Carolina, and Green Bay, the latter where he won a Super Bowl championship.
Aurora University skipped football this Fall. “We will meet again January 11 (2021) and prepare for five games starting March 20,” Don Beebe said. In the meantime, he is focused on Chad Beebe’s games.