The Cowboys' Safety Had To Replace Their Kicker And He Wasn't That Bad

Cowboys defensive back Jeff Heath, best known for almost decapitating a guy on the football field, was a kicker for Lake Orion High School (Mich.), and once hit a dramatic, game-winning 49-yard field goal. When Dan Bailey hurt his groin in Sunday’s game against the 49ers, Heath had to fill in.

The Cowboys, who won 40-10, weren’t ever in a position yesterday where Heath had a chance to decide the game, but he was adequate. Former Colts punter Pat McAfee broke down one of Heath’s kickoffs in the second quarter:

After a long Ezekiel Elliott touchdown in the third quarter, Heath attempted an extra point, and made it with the help of an upright:

Heath was 2-for-3 on extra points for the game, and made history by becoming the first non-kicker, non-punter player to make multiple XPs in a game since 1980, when Houston Oilers linebacker Ted Thompson—now GM of the Packers— filled in for injured kicker Toni Fritsch and made four in a 31-28 loss to the Jets. Despite the decent performance, Heath will go back to being just a safety: Dan Bailey or an actual kicker will take over for the Cowboys next week.