The Washington Commanders’ Jartavius “Quan” Martin scored on an interception return during Saturday night’s NFL Divisional Round playoff game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Martin’s pick-6 touchdown extended the Commanders’ lead to 24-14 before halftime. Washington leads 45-28 late in the fourth quarter.
The winner advances to face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game next weekend.
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, who coached Martin in college, responded to the play on social media with “I-L-L.”
Martin played his final two seasons at Illinois under Bielema before the Commanders selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Commanders reached the Divisional Round by defeating the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a last-second field goal in the wildcard round.
Six former Illinois players are participating in the game, including Lions safety Kerby Joseph and Johnny Newton.
Detroit, the NFC’s top seed at 15-2, earned a first-round bye after clinching the NFC North title with a Week 18 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Illinois finished the 2023 season with 10 wins and defeated South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, marking the program’s first 10-win season under Bielema.
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