Matthew Tkachuk has been one of the best players in the league over the past few seasons. However, while the forward has continued to make headlines throughout his career, his latest highlight has been his own podcast.
After being the guest of honor for years, the Panthers’ star decided to start his own show with his brother, Brady. And on the inaugural episode of his new podcast, all of his attention remained on Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. as Tkachuk gave his take on the buzz surrounding the youngster.
The Florida Panthers forward has made headlines for his on-ice exploits throughout his career. However, Matthew
What Did Matthew Tkachuk Have To Say About Omar Cooper Jr.?
While Florida fans continue to wait for Tkachuk’s return to the ice, the Panthers’ forward recently turned his attention to college football to highlight one of the most spectacular catches of the season.
On the inaugural episode of the Wingmen podcast, Brady asked Tkachuk for his pick for “Wingman of the Week.” The Panthers’ star didn’t hesitate as he named Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana’s wide receiver, for his game-winning grab against Penn State.
Tkachuk took his time breaking down why the play deserved recognition. The catch came late in the game with Indiana facing elimination on third down. “It was an all-out blitz; they threw up a prayer right under the uprights,” Tkachuk explained. “Those throws freak me out.”
The quarterback launched a dangerous pass into tight coverage near the end zone. But Cooper Jr. somehow secured the football while getting one foot down in bounds under college football rules. “Just when you think he doesn’t have it, he gets that foot down,” Tkachuk said.
The catch has already generated significant buzz across the sports world, and Tkachuk is totally on the Indiana bandwagon now. “I’m obviously a big college football guy now, ever since the old game day appearance, but that was probably the greatest catch I think I’ve ever seen. Think I might be hopping on the bandwagon now,” he said.
But co-host Brady didn’t let Tkachuk’s claim remain unchallenged as he compared Cooper Jr.’s reception to other legendary catches. When asked how it stacks up against Odell Beckham Jr.’s iconic one-handed grab, Tkachuk emphasized situational importance.
“I’m more of a timing guy, though. Like, if you’re in the Super Bowl and you have a sick catch. Like the guy in the Giants, years back, to ruin the Patriots,” Tkachuk said, referencing David Tyree’s helmet catch. “That’s probably the greatest catch of all time to beat the Patriots’ perfect year.”
However, Tkachuk believes Cooper Jr.’s catch could earn legendary status if Indiana continues its historic run. “If Indiana can go undefeated this year, that might be the catch of the year so far,” he declared.
Brady asked whether the moment represents a turning point for Indiana’s season. “I think that’s what they needed to be like; we dodged a bullet here,” Tkachuk responded. “Winning at Penn State’s tough. But I think they dodged a little bit of a bullet, and they’re like, ‘Oh baby, here we go,’ and they’re just gonna take off now.”
Tkachuk acknowledged the challenge ahead. “They’re going to be tough to beat. Ohio State looks pretty damn good, too,” he noted. Cooper Jr. shares the inaugural Wingman of the Week honor with Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.
