Ifeatu Melifonwu Planned Trolling Vikings 'For Like Three Weeks'
Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu had his end zone celebration against the Minnesota Vikings planned for several weeks.
"Yeah, I had that planned probably for like three weeks," Melifonwu said. "Two to three weeks, to be honest. I had that in my head."
After securing the game-winning, NFC North division-clinching interception, the talented safety excitedly found his way into the end zone.
Foregoing dancing, Melifonwu clapped his hands above his head, mocking the Vikings "Skol" chant.
As a result of the Lions' road victory, their 30-year drought not winning the division officially ended.
"I've heard that people are always gonna remember that play," Melifonwu told Fox-2 Detroit. "But it's still so recent that I haven't really wrapped my head around it, that it's always gonna be shown."
Seeing the online reaction and re-watching Dan Campbell's "build your legacy" speech has hit home the true meaning of the 2023 squad has accomplished.
"I don't think it fully hit until it happened," Melifonwu explained. "Because you've seen the video of coach in the meeting, telling us how long it's been and everything. But I don't think it really set in until after it happened and then you see the videos of people at home going crazy over it and everything. So that's when I feel like it really sunk in."
As a result of his stellar performance in Week 16, Melifonwu was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
"We had just finished walkthrough and then I got food and I was going back to my locker before I got ready for practice and I saw it on my phone," Melifonwu said. "Obviously I was excited and stuff and then my brother sent it to me. I was happy about it."
The play to end the game will be remembered by supporters as one of the all-time great moments in Lions history.
"I've watched it a good amount," Melifonwu said. "I've watched it a good amount, whether it's videos that I'm tagged in or that I reposted or just like rewatching the film or watching the game on my own. I've watched it a good amount."
For the third-year safety, his excitement playing football has grown, as he is healthy and playing at a high level, despite his transition to playing safety. Melifonwu came into the NFL having a wealth of experience playing cornerback.
"It's a new position for me. I feel like this year is my first full year in it. Last year I got moved to safety but I had some injuries so it just stunted my growth and development at the position," Melifonwu explained. "So now, thank God I'm healthy. I feel like I'm still learning the position, still getting comfortable, the nuances. Every game I play, I just look forward to playing and getting better. I feel like you don't hear that a lot. Like I enjoy playing and getting better."
