Malcolm Rodriguez Intercepts Brock Purdy in First Half of NFC Championship

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Malcolm Rodriguez intercepted Brock Purdy.

Rodriquez, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, intercepted San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in the second quarter of the NFC Championship on Sunday. Rodriquez returned the pick for 19 yards to the 49ers’ 21-yard line before a penalty for an illegal blindside block put the Lions on their own 35. Jahmyr Gibbs turned Rodriguez’s turnover into a 15-yard touchdown run and 21-7 lead five plays later.

Rodriguez has been the Lions’ defensive star so far in one of the biggest football games ever for Detroit. Along with the interception, Rodriguez has four total tackles and a tackle for loss in the first half. The Lions lead the 49ers 24-7 at halftime with a trip to play the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on the line.

PICK IT, RODRIGO!!#DETvsSF |📺 FOX | #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/gE1pTb8QKP

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 29, 2024

This was not the first time Rodriquez intercepted Purdy, though, going back to their college days playing for Oklahoma State and Iowa State. Rodriquez returned the last one in 2019 for a 26-yard touchdown to give the Cowboys a final 34-27 lead with 6:47 left.

History repeats itself 🤷‍♂️ https://t.co/XAMyfylMHb

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) January 29, 2024