NFL star defies painful testicular injury to score game-winning touchdown

The Dallas Cowboys secured a dramatic 20-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Jalen Tolbert scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 20 seconds remaining despite suffering a painful testicular injury

In a nail-biting finish, the Dallas Cowboys clinched a dramatic 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, thanks to Jalen Tolbert's last-gasp touchdown with just 20 seconds on the clock. The 25 year old wide receiver became an instant hero as he caught Dak Prescott's fourth-and-goal pass – the Cowboys' final offensive play.

Despite failing to secure Prescott's third-down pass and landing in agony, Tolbert, barely able to walk, lined up for the decisive play. His bravery was underscored when teammate Tyler Smith disclosed that Tolbert had sustained a painful testicular injury just moments before his match-winning catch.

"Bro, it was miraculous. I mean, JT literally sprained his f------ nuts - excuse me, sorry guys - sprained his nuts the play before, comes back, makes the game-winner. Unbelievable," Smith exclaimed post-game.

This victory was particularly sweet for the Cowboys, who were already grappling with a spate of injuries to key players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks. Tolbert stepped up magnificently, racking up 87 yards from seven receptions, including the crucial game-winning touchdown.

The win was clinched on Monday morning after a 90-minute delay due to weather concerns in Pittsburgh, marking an unforgettable day in the NFL that spanned roughly 15 hours. The action kicked off with the New York Jets taking on the Minnesota Vikings at 9:30 a.m. ET in London.

It was also a critical game for Dallas, who came into the match with a 2-2 record after a shaky start to their campaign. The NFC East is currently topped by the Washington Commanders, who moved up to 4-1 before the "Sunday Night Football " showdown between the Cowboys and Steelers.

It marked the first regular-season victory in his birthplace for head coach Mike McCarthy, with Pittsburgh being where he hails from. In a touching gesture, McCarthy was awarded the game ball by his team for the first time in his career, while Prescott explored the area before Sunday's game to get a feel for his head coach's roots.

"That's a guy that, I mean, I know how I feel about him," Prescott remarked post-game. "Love him. Great head coach. He's very, very proud to be from Pittsburgh. Greenfield at that. And you hear it anytime anything comes up with references from this place."

"So that's why I had to go on a little tour [Saturday night] and see some of the stomping grounds that he's talked about, paint that picture in my head. It was really special, got to stop by his parents' house, spend some time with him and them."

In the early hours of Monday, McCarthy couldn't hide his pride as he spoke of his first victory: "It's the first time I've been part of a victory here. But - and I do mean this - at the end of the day, this is about the players. This is a players' game. I'm blessed to be a part of the NFL for as long as I've been. I have tremendous respect for this organization, but, yeah, this game is about the players. These guys poured it out there. Both sides."