Cowboys’ Alijah Clark got blasted on punt return before forcing critical fumble vs. Eagles

Alijah Clark went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and after signing with the Dallas Cowboys, was promoted off the practice squad to the active roster only last month.

But his high-effort play on special teams may have saved the Cowboys’ season, and sent shockwaves through the greater Philadelphia area.

After the Cowboys fell down 21-0 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Dallas stormed back in the second half to tie the game at 21-21 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys seemed primed to take the lead after forcing a Saquon Barkley fumble midway through the fourth quarter, but their ensuing possession stalled and Brian Schottenheimer sent his punt team on the field.

He would be sending his offense back into the game a snap later thanks to Clark.

Aligned as a gunner on the punt team, Clark managed to get downfield and in position to deliver a huge hit on Eagles returner Xavier Gipson. After the ball was knocked loose, long snapper Trent Sieg made the recovery:

But you have to see how Clark got there.

The special teams player slipped off the line of scrimmage, and safety Sydney Brown absolutely blasted Clark, sending the rookie sprawling to the turf. Brown did not let up, hitting Clark twice more as the Cowboys player tried to recover.

But Clark did not let up either, winding his way downfield and eventually to Gipson:

That’s right, this man made the big hit:

The Cowboys failed to score on the ensuing possession, as the offense was stopped on 4th and goal. But the Eagles were pinned deep in their own territory thanks to Clark’s play, and when the Dallas defense sacked Jalen Hurts to force another Philadelphia punt, it set the stage for the Cowboys offense to deliver a win.

Dak Prescott and company did just that, driving into range for Brandon Aubrey’s game-winning field goal to give the Cowboys a 24-21 win.

And perhaps keep their slim playoff hopes alive.