Dallas Cowboys defensive back Alijah Clark made the best special teams play of the season on Sunday in his team’s 24-21 comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in Week 12.
The Cowboys were punting on a 4th-and-13 from their 40-yard line in the fourth quarter tied 21-21 with the Eagles with under six minutes left in the game. Clark was on the punt coverage team and stumbled off the line. He then got pushed three times, and was pushed to the ground twice. Despite that, Clark never gave up. He got back to his feet and chased the ball down the field and eventually made a tackle on Xavier Gipson to force a fumble that was recovered by the Cowboys.
this is a never give up effort play you show to your kids
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 24, 2025
what a play by Alijah Clark
from blocked flat on his back to forcing a fumble 50 yards downfield 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/74W7eBnKT2
This is a great example of why you never give up on a play! Clark went from being pushed down to the turf multiple times to making a huge play!
Unfortunately for Dallas, they turned the ball over on downs after that fumble recovery. But they did go on to win the game 24-21 on a Brandon Aubrey field goal as time expired.
Clark was praised for his effort on the play.
Cowboys Rookie DB Alijah Clark is the difference between winning and losing.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 24, 2025
Watch the EFFORT on this play. Every parent should show this to their kids and every coach in the country should show this clip to their team.
RELENTLESS EFFORT WINS GAMES.
pic.twitter.com/v3Cy9undOy
This is a SPECIAL play on Special Teams
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 24, 2025
Alijah Clark is EVERYTHING that is great about football and Special Teams football #PMSLive https://t.co/DHPGNH96T2 pic.twitter.com/cmoVtaY8rj
Show that play by Alijah Clark, No. 38 for Dallas to every kid chasing the football dream. Knocked on his ass and never broke stride, never relented.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) November 24, 2025
Game changing play. Pure want-to.
Clark made the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. After seeing his hustle and effort on that play, it’s no surprise he was able to make the team.
