There’s little question that NFL games differ a great deal from the backyard games many played as kids and even today’s video games. For decades, the league has valued conservatism over risk-taking, which means the famed trick plays that endeared many to the sport as children — end-arounds, halfback pass options, and the crown jewel, the fumblerooski — rarely make appearances in today’s games, not least of all playoff games.
Well, it would seem from Sunday’s AFC and NFC Championship contests that everything old is new again as the flea-flicker made three appearances in two games to the delight of fans. An antique of a play in which the quarterback gives the ball to the running back, tricking the defense to converge on the run, only to have the running back pitch the ball back to the quarterback, who ostensibly will find an open receiver amid the defense’s confusion.
Sound complicated? It’s really not … unless you’re trying to defend against it.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterbacked by Blake Bortles, started off Sunday’s trend, executing the play with modestly successful results.
Finally, the late game got in on the trick play action with the Eagles trying their hand at the fabled play, connecting down the field with a touchdown.
The Patriots, led by Tom Brady and his injured hand, saw and raised the play with a bigger gain just minutes later.
After the Pats came from behind to beat the Jaguars, the Eagles got in on the trick play action, with QB Nick Foles finding receiver Torrey Smith using the same play, connecting for a 41-yard touchdown during the team’s rout of the Vikings.
In all likelihood, the confluence of three of the same trick play in one day of playoff football was mere coincidence. But given that the plays all ended in varying degrees of success for the teams orchestrating them, don’t be surprised if you see more teams adopting this play next season, if not in two weeks for the Super Bowl. A well-executed flea flicker will always give fans something to cheer about — as long as your team isn’t the one being exploited by the sneaky move.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.