Colby Parkinson game-winning catch: Rams TE saves L.A. from playoff upset with late-game TD

Jake Mozarsky

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Colby Parkinson game-winning catch: Rams TE saves L.A. from playoff upset with late-game TD image

In a Wild Card thriller defined by relentless back-and-forth scoring and fourth-quarter heroics, the game-winning play fell to an unlikely, yet immensely reliable, red-zone target: tight end Colby Parkinson.

With the clock ticking down and the Rams' playoff hopes hanging in the balance, MVP candidate Matthew Stafford surgically marched the offense down the field for a 71-yard drive that landed them inside the Panthers' 20-yard line. Stafford, facing a hostile crowd and a defense desperate for a stop, delivered a decisive 19-yard strike toward the right pylon.

Parkinson, utilizing his massive 6-foot-7 frame, made a spinning, clutch grab and secured the football just as he landed in the end zone, silencing Bank of America Stadium with only 38 seconds remaining. The touchdown -- his ninth of the season -- was the culmination of a year where Parkinson emerged as a consistent red-zone threat, finishing the regular season with eight touchdowns, a team single-season record for a tight end.

This game-winner, however, was his most significant score yet, ensuring the close victory and punching the Los Angeles Rams' ticket to the divisional round.

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Colby Parkinson game-winning catch

Parkinson provided the marquee moment for Los Angeles in the wild card victory, hauling in a 19-yard score in the final minute to take the lead.

It was only the tight end's second catch of the game -- the first came on a 15-yard screen pass in the first quarter -- but it was by far the biggest.

The score was Parkinson's ninth touchdown of the season.

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Colby Parkinson stats vs. Panthers 

  • Receptions:  2
  • Yards:  34
  • TDs:  1

Though he didn't light up the stat sheet, Parkinson had the decisive moment of Saturday's thriller in Carolina. Stafford, who is known for game-winning drives, put the ball in the tight end's range and he grabbed it and crossed the pylon. 

MORE: How Matthew Stafford made history against Panthers

Where did Colby-Parkinson go to college?

Parkinson played college football at Stanford University.

He attended Stanford from 2017 to 2019, where he started his career as a highly-rated recruit. During his time with the Cardinal, he appeared in 39 games and was named second-team All-Pac-12 in 2019.

He was then selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

MORE: Matthew Stafford adds to NFL lead with comeback win over Panthers

Did Colby Parkinson used to play for Seahawks?

Parkinson was originally drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round (133rd overall pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He spent four seasons with the Seahawks before signing with the Rams in the 2024 offseason. During his time in Seattle (2020-2023), he recorded a total of 57 receptions for 618 yards and four touchdowns.

Crucially, when Parkinson arrived in 2020, he was a teammate of veteran tight end Greg Olsen, who had just signed with the Seahawks as a free agent for his final NFL season. Olsen, a seasoned Pro-Bowler, provided immediate mentorship to the young rookie. Fast forward to Saturday, and Olsen was in the broadcast booth calling the very game in which Parkinson caught the game-winning touchdown.

MORE: Is Matthew Stafford injured? Rams QB's performance dips after taking hit to hand vs. Panthers

How much does Colby Parkinson make?

Parkinson is currently playing on a three-year contract with Los Angeles worth $22.5 million, which he signed in 2024.

His contract is valued at $22.5 million overall. The deal carries an average annual salary of $7.5 million and includes $15.5 million in guaranteed money. This contract keeps him with the Rams through the 2026 season.

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Senior Editor