In the two times Broncos rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin crossed the goal line for a touchdown, he marked his territory and showed that he belonged. He kicked his feet back like a raging bull before pointing to the heavens.
McLaughlin’s celebration is simple, but the meaning represents who he is and his fiery attitude on the field.
Standing at 5-foot-7 and weighing 187 pounds, McLaughlin, an undrafted rookie, was one of the smallest players during Sunday’s 31-28 win over the Chicago Bears. But his spirit and impact weighed heavy.
He had 104 total yards and a receiving touchdown, while head coach Sean Payton expects the Youngstown State product to have an expanded role on offense.
“Every time a bull goes out, they mark their territory,” McLaughlin said. “I try to bring that aspect of me being a bull (and) wanting to win.”
McLaughlin, the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher across all divisions, started that touchdown celebration as a junior in college. He recalled boxer Errol Spence Jr. doing a similar gesture after a fight and decided to look up the being behind it.
“I was like, ‘Man, that’s brilliant,’” McLaughlin said. “Just playing with passion (and) fire.”
McLaughlin’s will to win was evident against Chicago. He turned a screen pass from quarterback Russell Wilson into an 18-yard touchdown reception. Later, he burst down the field for a 31-yard gain before making an 11-yard reception during a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive that cut the deficit to 28-14.
McLaughlin had the best rushing performance by any Broncos running back through four games, as he rushed for 72 yards on seven carries. And with starter Javonte Williams dealing with a hip injury, it makes sense that Payton would want to increase McLaughlin’s workload.
This season, McLaughlin has totaled 92 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. He played a season-high 16 offensive snaps in the win over Chicago after playing a combined eight in the first two games of the season. He was in for 13 offensive snaps in the loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.
“He was explosive in the run and the pass,” Payton said. “He gave us some juice, so we’ll continue to look at his role.”
McLaughlin’s passion, symbolized through his touchdown celebration, is infectious in everything he does. Being raised by a single mom and at one point living out of a Ford Focus, McLaughlin said sports kept his family together. That’s why he arrives to the practice facility before everyone else. That’s why he stays after everyone leaves.
“I want to give (my family) something to look up to,” McLaughlin said. “That’s what I take out there on the football field. I want to be the best (in) everything I do to keep putting that smile on my mom’s face.”
McLaughlin, kicker Wil Lutz and outside linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto earned game balls on Monday. McLaughlin said it was “surreal” to receive a game ball, but he knows there is more work to do.
He got on himself for needing to be better in pass protection. In the second quarter on Sunday, McLaughlin failed to block Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn, who forced Wilson out of the pocket before a couple of Chicago defenders brought him down for a sack.
Even though Payton took the blame for putting his running back in a tough spot, McLaughlin accepted ownership for the mishap.
“On that play, I wasn’t able to do my job,” McLaughlin said. “I gotta apologize to Russ, but I’ll be better.”
After the Broncos secured their first win of the season, Wilson had glowing remarks for McLaughlin. He praised the rookie’s confidence and how his work ethic has translated on the field.
“He just believes (in) how great he can be,” Wilson said.
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