Ducks Digest

New England Patriots' Christian Gonzalez Scores 62-Yard Touchdown vs. Miami Dolphins

Former Oregon Ducks and current New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez scored a 62-yard touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Patriots lost to the Dolphins 34-15.

Charlie Viehl

Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium.
Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Former Oregon Ducks and current New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez scored a 62-yard touchdown against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Patriots safety Marte Mapu forced the fumble, and the former Oregon Duck scooped up the loose ball before returning it for a touchdown.

The 62-yard score was Gonzalez's first touchdown of his early career. He missed a majority of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury, but he has impressed those around the NFL in his short time in the league.

Despite the defensive touchdown from Gonzalez, New England lost 34-15 to their divisional rival, the Dolphins.

Earlier in the season, future Hall of Famer and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared some praise for the former Oregon Duck in an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I think he’s a great kid. He’s super, super talented. He is an elite player," said Rodgers. "When a guy is going to follow, we call it star coverage. The respect level from me goes up… I give those guys who do star coverage a lot of credit and a lot of respect. And Christian is one of those guys who enjoys the challenge, enjoys the competition and will go side to side.”

Through 12 games in the 2024 season, Gonzalez has one interception and six pass deflections. He has also totaled 39 solo tackles, adding another seven assisted. The former Oregon Duck plays nearly 100 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps.

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette
Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Gonzalez is a young star on the Patriots defense as the franchise moves on from legendary coach Bill Belichick. New England selected the former Oregon Duck in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, pick No. 17 overall.

Gonzalez transferred to Oregon before his redshirt sophomore season, playing his first two years of college football with the Colorado Buffaloes. Gonzalez was one of the first impact transfers that Oregon coach Dan Lanning brought to Eugene when he was hired by the Ducks.

With the loss, Gonzalez and the Patriots fall to 3-8. They will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Dec. 1, before their bye in Week 14.

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Charlie Viehl
CHARLIE VIEHL

Charlie Viehl is a 23-year old Boston College graduate and is an Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans beat reporter for On SI. A native of Pasadena, California, he covered sports across Los Angeles while at Loyola High School and edited the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program’s magazine at BC. While pursuing a career in sports journalism, he is also a lifelong musician. He is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and sports to fans of college athletics.

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