With 3 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter of the Bengals vs. Colts Week 1 game, starting safety Shawn Williams was ejected from the game due to an unnecessary hit on Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck.

In came Clayton Fejedelem, the Bengals’ special teams ace, to replace him.

That wasn’t really good news for the Bengals at the time, but it turned into a major blessing. With the Colts charging down the field attempting to take back the lead with less than one minute remaining in the game, Fejedelem forced a fumble, recovered it and ran it EIGHTY THREE YARDS back for the Bengals touchdown.

The Fejedelem 83-yard fumble recovery for a TD. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/A2Ub5cLKC4 — Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) September 9, 2018

It was as exciting of a moment as you can see in a Week 1 game. It ensured the Bengals’ win and got the team to 1-0. The backup safety displayed some quick thinking, impressive playmaking and was set on winning the Bengals that game.

And to think, if Williams wasn’t ejected, Fejedelem likely would not have been in the game at the time of the play.

After the game was over, Williams was quick to greet his position mate outside of the locker room and thank him for his service. Williams had been watching the game nearby the locker room after getting ejected.

The man who replaced Shawn Williams is embraced by Shawn Williams. Have a moment, Clayton Fejedelem. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/dv0xRIdCp3 — Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 9, 2018

Fejedelem is the Bengals’ Week 1 MVP.

Let’s all thank him together.